Brendon Babenzien on responsibility, individuality and the problem with prep | #046

Welcome to Season Six of HandCut Radio, our New York City Special. We’re kicking off the season with a creative heavyweight we’ve wanted to meet for years: Brendon Babenzien. Aleks speaks to the co-founder of Noah and creative director of J.Crew Men’s about why he thinks Preppy Style has been hijacked, how the Noah design team create for individuals rather than trends, and why the fashion industry’s attitude of “it’s not personal” needs wholesale change. He also hints at what we can expect from his first collection for J.Crew Men’s, which will be unveiled in the autumn.

If you enjoy listening, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @handcutradio, and get involved in the conversation.

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HandCut Radio is produced by Birch, the London based creative office of James Allen. Our theme music is by Joe Boyd.

HandCut Radio is proud to be sponsored by Thomas Mason, an historic mill that’s been supplying famous designers, shirtmakers and tailors with world class shirting fabrics since 1796.

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Show Notes:
Brendon Babenzien — Instagram | Website

[02:47] Noah
[05:49] “What to Watch: Is Streetwear Becoming Preppy?” [article]
[10:36] Ryuichi Sakamoto
[11:27] J Crew
[21:47] Barbour
[22:06] Supreme NYC
[33:29] Pervert Clothing
[36:12] Thrasher Magazine
[36:40] Red Hot Chili Peppers
[39:20] “Less is more: meet New York’s mindful menswear makers” [article]