2k13 popped the fuck off for the dudes at Public School, as they not only took home the Swarovski Award for Menswear at the CFDA awards in June, but that fat CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund check in October. In a recent profile by Business Of Fashion, designers Dao Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne stress that their climb to the summit of Mount Malewearz wasn't easy, and don't see their journey as over. For those who don't know, Chow and Osborne first met while designing for Sean John, and, after a few intermediate projects, launched Public School in 2007. The brand quickly grew into a multi-million dollar business, but when Barney's decided to shift gears in 2010 (they do this a lot with their CO-OP floor) and dropped the label, it crippled the brand to the point that they had to close their doors for an entire year. During that hiatus, they reflected and regrouped to become the brand we know and love today.
The interview also involves Details Magazine Style Director Eugene Tong, whom styles for Public School and serves as a sort of litmus test for whether or not Dao Yi and Maxwell's designs will translate to consumers. After all, Eugene is easily one of the most stylish dudes on the planet, so it makes sense that they would value their old friend's opinion enough to grant him entrance into their brain trust. In their own words, "Eugene epitomizes the Public School guy, who is at the center of different worlds and personifies New York, where high and low mix seamlessly."
In general, Public School's careful approach to design, production and business growth have all been eye contributing factors to their massive revival. Being on the forefront of menswear's newfound infatuation with streetwear and more non-traditional styles doesn't hurt either.
