Naming flea markets as their main inspiration, the tastemakers look to everything from GQ and American Painter magazines, military websites, books, movies and architecture. Says Chris Bray, “It can be a simple, worn buckle that ends up being the catalyst to an entire bag.” With that, Billykirk has been steadily consistent with their designs over the years. Ten years later, they are still using the same three colors of leather from the same tannery. Utility, quality and function remain the core of the company and pave the way for all of their endeavors.
Although Billykirk remains hands-on in everything from production, finish work and sampling, they decided to incorporate a group of Amish leather workers who now produce an abundance of the goods. Moving to the East Coast was key to the birth of the partnership. Says Chris Bray, “We were paying $1/ft. in downtown Los Angeles, and I knew it would be next to impossible to find something near NYC at that cost. Luckily, I had bought some machinery from this guy in Tennessee. We were talking one day and I was telling him of our impending manufacturing predicament and he suggested I talk to an Amish guy he dealt with. Not one to cast aside an interesting offer, I agreed. He phoned the Amish man’s neighbors and told them to have him call me. That was in 2004 and five years later, the Amish are still producing 80% of our collection, by hand and in the USA.”
With much of the fashion industry being completely over saturated by fledgling start-up brands, Billykirk’s recipe for success is rock solid. Says Chris Bray, “Having good designs that are relevant will stand the test of time (design itself and how the designs wear in). Having your production in place so the consistency is there, and lastly, making damn sure the orders get done in a timely manner. Then there are components like sales reps, PR and the customer service team. Each of these is obviously integral to any company’s success and needs to be massaged and tweaked regularly. Guerilla marketing…look it up! Our items blend in and become part of you. Sort of like an extension of one’s taste and personality.” With heavy emphasis on the understated, you’ll find no embellishments, no Swarovski crystals, no garish details. Their look is classic, timeless and distinguished. If you gravitate toward lots of logos and over-the-top design, Billykirk will go unnoticed by you.
The future is bright for this pair, to say the least. Their minimal approach has earned the respect of many of their peers. Often compared to Coach, Pendleton, Patagonia, and a few others, Billykirk delivers beautifully designed, quality products; much like their predecessors. Staying loyal to their subtle aesthetic drives them to be leaders in their industry. Billykirk “does not necessarily want to be the focus of attention, but instead, to blend into the wearer’s everyday clothing choice.” Mirroring the fruits of their labor, the simple yet powerful mantra of utility, quality and function is essentially the driving force behind their success. Billykirk can be found in the US as well as Japan in the following stores:
*US: Takashimiya, Hollander and Lexer, Barney’s, Camouflage, Oak, Odin, Unis, Fred Segal, Ron Herman, American Rag, Base, Aloha Rag, Rolo, Blackbird, Carve, Map
Canada: Brooklyn, TNT, Sydney’s, Gravity Pope
*Japan: Barney’s, Beams, Ships, Margin, Sazaby League, Akiz, Baggagehandlers Union, Decade, Glow, Hips Company, Rags, Monju, Rato, Wolves
*Prices range from $65 for small accessories to $500 for larger bags
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