Purple Brand | In conversation with Luke Cosby
Undoubtedly the unhung heroes of every gent’s closet, denim jeans provide that much-needed wardrobe foundation. However, finding quality and aesthetics, without a juddering price tag, is easier said than done.
That’s where Purple Brand comes in, the label that has combined innovative design with contemporary value. Founded in 2017 by friends, Luke Cosby and Rob Lo their collections are inspired by vintage and utilitarian concepts. Credited for their focus on fit, fabric and construction, the brand has built a staunch following and its recent clothing line has already been seen across a star-studded lineup.
Celebrating the launch at Coggles, we joined co-founder, Luke Cosby to hear everything about the label and the latest collection.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to coggles today! Please tell us about yourself?
Thanks for having us! We’re pleased to be working with you. Well, I’m a bit of a nomad at the moment as I’m in the middle of a move to NY from Texas so in typical Luke fashion I’ve come to London to avoid my responsibilities. I’m a lover of hip hop, boxing, mezcal, and travel. Rob and I are constantly in search of things that inspire us so travel is a big part of our lives as well.
Tell me about how you came to launch Purple Brand?
We met in a meeting when I was in sales and Rob was a buyer. By that day we were drunk and arm wrestling at a hotel bar and have been friends since.
Is there a meaning behind the name ‘Purple Brand’?
Purple's first product line was conceived without a name. We wanted to test the market first, let our friends see the jeans and keep growing the idea from there, but our lawyer advised against that. The week we had this conversation with the lawyer Prince passed away and I couldn’t stop thinking about the aura, swag, the legacy he left behind, so we named it Purple.
Where are you based?
We just opened our HQ in Soho in NYC but we also have an office in Vancouver.
What was the inspiration behind the collection?
We always want to propose something that offers the customer that feeling of buying a designer piece that’s not crazy expensive. You’ll see we put a lot of effort into not only the finer details but the obvious ones as well (think paint splatters). We want you to look like you’ve spent money on something of quality that’s fun. We draw a lot of inspiration from our friends in sports and entertainment, our travels, vintage, art, etc.
Please talk us through the design process.
The design process is drawn from whatever inspires Rob at the moment. Whether that’s a vintage piece or a trip to Disney Land in which he observes how tourists dress and how he believes they SHOULD dress!
What’s the hero piece from the collection?
This season it’s the painted hoodie, recently worn by Mason Mount.
What’s your personal favourite?
I personally like anything in worn light indigo. Seems to go with everything. You’ve got a couple of styles at Coggles!
Tell us something we didn’t know about the brand?
That this is the first questionnaire we’re participated in! We like to remain shrouded in mystery. I’ll let you in on a secret though- We’ve got an ongoing friendship and partnership with Gunna which will expand to a small capsule very soon. So we’ll be Pushin P for each other.
What's next for Purple Brand?
Besides being able to afford our new New York office, our biggest initiatives are expanding the concept far beyond denim. We’ve developed new categories which you’ll see over the coming seasons such as swim, leathers, shoes, and full ready to wear.
In My Space with Rikke Baumgarten | Baum Und Pferdgarten
As Baum Und Pferdgarten gear up for Copenhagen Fashion Week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Rikke Pferdgartenon to talk about the latest collection...
