Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein Explain How New York Inspires

Out: What inspires you?

Timo: The city. The environment and the people--those I know and those I don't know.
Alan: I'm always inspired by what I see on the streets.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Timo: Knowing the vision and knowing that things are getting accomplished. For me it's like, Okay I want to see this dress today. I want to see the form, pick out swatches; I want to get it done. Also, being able to wear the menswear. I love to live in what we make.
Alan: One of my favorite things about my job is being with my friends every day, and designing something new. I do not like being stagnant, but everything we do is a change from the normal creative process.

What made you go from presentations to runway?

Timo: The moment, the excitement, and the energy made us feelt like the most natural next step.
Alan: We really wanted to showcase the models and clothing with the presentation--we were answering questions and it was more of a stop and go type thing. With runway, we let the designs talk for themselves, that way you could see the story clearly.

What is your five year plan?

Timo: We're really focusing on ready-to-wear. Domestic gross has been great for us, so hopefully we'll open a flagship store in New York. Also, to start working on accessories.
Alan: We would love to expand into accessories, when it's right... and to expand to more
continents, have a bigger presence in Europe and Asia.

What are some staples that every man should have in his closet?

Timo: A really beautiful lightweight blazer, dress shirts but notjomg super "business" looking . Get a dress shirt that looks good, not so much for the boxy look, though a nice white one that fits--white always looks nice.
Alan: A great black leather jacket, jeans. Underwear is very important...something very comfy. A collection of T-shirts is important for any wardrobe.

What separates your brand from others?

Timo: All of the little details. We're not trying to be a watered-down Ralph Lauren. We focus on tailoring, and we have a modern twist.
Alan: Versatility for the modern wardrobe. We offer good suits, both casual and formal.

What kind of guy is your clothing for?

Timo: A professional guy. Our guy has a lot going, though he doesn't take things too seriously. He's confident, hardworking, and capable. Again, versatility is key.
Alan: He's an adventurous man who looks for clothing that's different. The clothes add something to him. He's an artist, a lawyer, or even a real estate agent.

What have you been working on as far as collaborations?

Timo: Tsubo shoe company and Topman/Topshop Collections.
Alan: It's great to do collaborations beccause you get to see how other companies work, how they run their business, and other people's creative process.

What can we expect next from the brand?

Timo: Definitely expansion, not only in terms of sales but in products.
Alan: Collaborations play a big part in our brand. Coming up next would have to be our resort collection, and then the spring 2013 show in September. Our focus right now is getting into a wider range of menswear: formal, casual, and more outerwear.

Who are some of your favorite men's designers?

Timo: Dries Van Noten, and Ralph Lauren.
Alan: Acne, J.W. Anderson, and Dries Van Noten