MARGIELA WELCOMES BLADE AND BLUE, INSPIRED CLASSIC MENSWEAR
San Francisco, California
Maison Margiela will launch new designs by San Francisco menswear designer, Peter Papas, in its newest Bay Area boutique. His label, Blade and Blue, prides itself on reinventing “old school cool.” To celebrate the introduction of these inspired Americana designs to the French fashion house, the event will feature bites of Brenda’s French Soul Food and wines selected by Nob Hill’s Amelie wine bar. According to SF Margiela’s rep, the dress code will be “impress me casual.”
After over twenty years of working in the fashion industry, Peter Papas decided to start Blade and Blue, working around a full-time position at Banana Republic. Papas has worked for both well-established and smaller brands, using real-world experience as his chosen form of design education. Most notably, he worked for Kate Spade, where he came up with “the hot professor” editorial look. When he reconnected with items from his youth and remembered the masculinity of his father’s era, he became inspired to “reinvent the classics…using prints, colors, and even his own doodles.” The popular paper airplane print was born of a doodle he created while reminiscing on his days as a paper route delivery boy, and an avid paper airplane maker.
Papas’ brand name, Blade and Blue, was inspired by a dog he rescued. The dog was in such bad shape that the people fostering it nicknamed him Lonesome Blue. Papas says, “I took care of him and in time he became really strong and even athletic. I decided to rename him Blade to convey his newfound vigor.” The dachshund also inspired the logo embroidered on some of his apparel.
Papas is currently in residence at the Fashion Incubator of San Francisco, a program he credits with supporting his development in two distinct ways. First, the incubator helps him “streamline operations procedures so that his time and energy can be used more effectively on developing what’s new and interesting.” Second, the incubator allows him to “just be himself.” As he puts it, “the most important part of what we do isn’t designing a specific item from one season or another, it’s recognizing what the soul of our inspiration is and being true to that spirit.”
Margiela, known for its avant-garde appeal and artistic edge, decided to take a more subtle approach to boundary-pushing when it welcomed Papas’ designs. His creative take on classic menswear appeals to the downtown San Francisco demographic of late-20s to early-50s males. However, the line is especially popular among the late 20s and early 30s demographic, which is immersed in technology and looking to connect with a brand that’s both grounded and inspired. For a demographic that encounters disruptive innovation on a daily basis, old-school style can seem unexpectedly new.
The event will take place at the San Francisco Maison Margiela boutique on Maiden Lane, in the heart of Union Square, on Saturday June 13th between 12pm-3pm. Attendees will receive a complimentary “Old School Cool Kit,” which includes “a classic double-edged safety blade, badger-bristle shaving brush, and a surprise goodie for the masculine man in your life.” Mr. Papas will be there to share the inspiration behind his featured designs, which will be modeled by ambiance models mingling throughout the event. In honor of Father’s Day, he’ll also discuss the impact his own father had on the heritage of his brand.
Peter Papas founded Blade and Blue two and a half years ago, looking to recreate menswear classics that were both unique and authentic to their heritage. He is committed to customer service and takes pride in answering all his own emails. As an independent designer, “customers and buyers aren’t looking for the basics from me, they’re looking for what’s new and interesting, and they like the brand to feel personal.” This season his looks revolve around the theme of “Fire and Ice,” which include red chambray and sky blue swirl-printed button-ups. Classic cuts with innovative fabrics. His line is carried in 8 stores nationwide, in areas ranging from the Castro in San Francisco to Oklahoma State. Mr. Papas can be reached at info@bladeandblue.com
According to http://www.fashionincubatorsf.org/:
The mission of Fashion Incubator San Francisco, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, is to accelerate emerging apparel and accessories design businesses while supporting fashion industry economic growth and job creation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants receive individualized mentoring from fashion industry experts and business development professionals. We help members stay current on industry trends through educational courses and free access to our public programs that bring together the regional design community. We offer low-cost design studio space, a salesroom, and high-profile opportunities to showcase new lines. Fashion Incubator San Francisco is for entrepreneurs who are serious about scaling their existing businesses.
For inquiries, email Jeanne Allen at fisfexecutivedirector@gmail.com.