Hot on the heels of unveiling their Spring/Summer 2016 collection at New York Fashion Week, John Targon and Scott Studenberg, the hip duo behind Baja East, are sharing their luxe, ambisexual streetwear with customers via trunk shows. The latest venue to host the boys is Hirshleifer's in Long Island, a specialty store just a stone's throw from Manhattan. Targon and Studenberg will be slinging their wares at the shop this Friday, October 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., eager to "meet and learn about" their real-life clients.
Meanwhile, we got a real-life peek at the professional whirlwind that is Targon and Studenberg's life, as photographer Dusty St. Amand caught some exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from their NYFW show for Out. Targon says, "We do a cartwheel every time we meet someone who's bought an item of ours," and both boys had lots more to tell us about what they're up to.
SLIDESHOW | Exclusive: Behind the Scenes of Baja East at NYFW
Out: Tell me briefly about the trunk show venue, Hirshleifers. Why there?
John Targon & Scott Studenberg: We are obsessed with the team at Hirshleifer's. They have such an incredible store filled with amazing brands. They just opened a new concept store called MRKT which is a perfect fit for Baja East--it's a mix of men's and women's and you can shop with friends or your lover. It's a quick train ride or drive from New York City, and you can find the most beautiful Chanel shop right next to the best street wear brands.
What Baja East items can attendees expect to see?
Everyone who comes in can find our current pre-Fall 2015 and Fall 2015 runway collections. We'll have all of our favorites, including crepe harem pants, cashmere knits and leather shirts and pants that no other retailers carry. We'll be showcasing our Spring 2016 runway collection as well--it's the first chance to preview and shop the collection before it hits stores. It's like taking a tribal trip--bring your raver friends and let's dance around the store.
In general, do you see more women or men purchase Baja East clothing? If the answer is women, are you seeing a rise in male clientele given the growing popularity of ambisexual, androgynous fashion?
Well, overall our business is more women's, simply because the fashion market is bigger and the stores we sell in are predominately [women's stores]. But with that said, our men's stores often carry the biggest assortments of Baja East because they have the client for it. Cities like L.A., where Maxfield is; or New York, where Jeffrey is; or Miami, where The Webster is--they have a mix of relaxed clients that work from home or have more casual lifestyles, yet want luxury clothing. They want to feel good and look stylish no matter where they are. This is exactly the same vibe at Hirshleifer's: relaxed luxury meets street.
How often are you each wearing Baja East clothing?
Each and every single day we wear Baja East. Our clients inspire us, but there is no question we design with ourselves in mind, too. We travel very often so it's important to have pieces for all occasions: the plane, a cocktail or just working in the factory and designing. Don't get us wrong--we love many types of fashion, so we'll mix in vintage pieces and cool Lanvin, Givenchy, and Celine from our previous jobs.
You're coming off of a great string of milestones and successes, landing among the finalists for the CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund, and showing your Spring/Summer 2016 show at New York Fashion Week. What's next? What are some of your immediate goals?
Next for us is continuing on the CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund. We have an incredible runway show on October 20. Lot's to keep optimistic about. These experiences have transformed our business and we've enjoyed every step of the process. We've already begun designing Pre-Fall 2016, and we're thinking about our Fall 2016 runway show. Hopefully we can take a few days off. Sleep has become the one thing we look forward to without question. Oh...and Empire.
SLIDESHOW | Exclusive: Behind the Scenes of Baja East at NYFW
