There's something a hand-written letter conveys that an e-mail, G-chat, or instant message will never relay. It shows that you care. And, in today's #menswear world there's earnest appreciation of the details that matter. Of course, mixed with the attitude of "fuck you."
This is why Terrapin Stationers, a brand run by Ted Harrington off 100-year-old engraving machines, has become the de faction stationery of the #menswear world. The brand, whose name is a play off Terrapin Station; the album where the Grateful Dead got all electric, produces a range of stationery that features slogans such as "You're the Fucking Man" and "Cool Story, Bro." And has found itself as the darling of the crispiest dudes, fashion editors, industry types, or anyone who wants to convey a cool message.
But it didn't happen without hardwork and social savvy. Harrington operated a successful business until 2009, when the economy hit the shitter, and he then contacted Michael Williams, the man behind A Continuous Lean, and the #menswear audience rediscovered Harrington's business.
Since then, things have taken off, and Terrapin Stationers is now doing work for Club Monaco and Tory Burch, and increased its work five-fold.
Click here to find out what it was like for Harrington before the economy collapse, how he actually printed cards for Jerry Garcia, and how his business has changed.
[via The Daily Beast and ACL]
