The creative force behind quickly rising label S2VS is Sean William Salim. Salim considers himself “a late bloomer in fashion. He did not actively pursue a career in the fashion industry until 2004, at the age of twenty-one. At that time, Salim enjoyed shopping for clothes, but felt there was not a selection of interesting and enticing clothes that he could afford. Swearing to change that, and while in the process of obtaining a degree, Salim applied for the Parsons School of Design and was accepted. His education at Parsons propelled him into the limelight. His “senior thesis at Parsons was a big hit with press and stores wanted to buy it. The rest is history.”
Fall 2008
The S2VS fall collection draws inspiration from the Industrial Revolution of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Salim noted, “It was a very utilitarian period and people layered up to keep warm because they couldn’t afford that one good cashmere coat.” An ongoing theme that continues into Salim’s upcoming spring collection, special attention was paid to children’s wear. The collection takes inspiration from the best of industrial children’s wear and updates the adult silhouette to find the perfect mix of youthfulness and sophistication.
Spring 2009
Salim’s upcoming spring collection is inspired by children wear of the 80s. Viewing past images of his childhood, Salim feels that clothes for children were much more interesting back then. Children’s clothes appeared to have more character than the clothes of today. They were infused with “puppies, stripes, nautical, and school uniform elements.” Children’s wear back then was specifically created with children in mind. Salim feels that children wear now is a “crap version of adult wear.” Hopefully, the S2VS spring 2009 collection will shape up to be the best of both worlds; child and adult.
Q&A
What inspired you to start your own line?
I felt like I have a point of view and a goal to create a brand that is correctly representing today’s aesthetics and the most important thing is to keep it affordable.
What does S2VS stand for?
That’s one very big secret. Though I assure you that there is a logical explanation behind it.
How do you view your own collection?
I view it as style that reflect on today’s culture and attitudes in menswear, which I find is a nostalgia for the past and a fascination with the future. The clothes tend to have a hint of vintage and sci-fi to them, which are two of my favorite genres.
Who do you imagine wearing your clothes?
I think S2VS is for everyone. While not everyone wants to wear the skin baring tank tops, there are wonderfully constructed shirts and coats. It essentially is a brand for people who care a little about fashion but does not have fashionista as pre-requisite.
For more information and/or stockists, please visit the S2VS official website.
Thanks to Sean!
NEXT FEATURE LABEL – NICHOLAS K
I absolutely adore these designs. It’s great to hear that he wants to make designs that are modern but affordable.
I love love love what I’m seeing. It looks very well made and constructed, and his take of combining child/adult and vintage/sci-fi is intriguing!
I absolutely adore these designs. It’s great to hear that he wants to make designs that are modern but affordable.
I love love love what I’m seeing. It looks very well made and constructed, and his take of combining child/adult and vintage/sci-fi is intriguing!
I just spent a good 30 – 40 minutes reviewing the Spring/Summer collection, and I have nothing but admiration for every look, and ever piece. It makes sense, it’s young, urban, edgy yet clean. I am in love with this designer.
Thanks for introducing me to this! I had no idea they were being sold on Oak’s website. They need to hurry up and remodel their store so I can pick up some of this stuff. Ah.
I am on a S2VS high.
I just spent a good 30 – 40 minutes reviewing the Spring/Summer collection, and I have nothing but admiration for every look, and ever piece. It makes sense, it’s young, urban, edgy yet clean. I am in love with this designer.
Thanks for introducing me to this! I had no idea they were being sold on Oak’s website. They need to hurry up and remodel their store so I can pick up some of this stuff. Ah.
I am on a S2VS high.
Glad that you found a love for S2VS. I have so much love for Oak. The brands they stock are ridiculous. Every season, they pick up more and more brands that are at the top of their game. It is insane. I’m thankful I live in California. If I lived in New York, I would shop myself into being homeless.
Oak has been on my bookmarked pages for a while now, and you’re right, everything they stock is just superb.
I think I will shop myself into homelessness once I find out where/when/how I can get my hands on some S2VS pieces.
I’ve been to California numerous times, and I would think they would have more stores like Oak. That’s not the case?
Oak has been on my bookmarked pages for a while now, and you’re right, everything they stock is just superb.
I think I will shop myself into homelessness once I find out where/when/how I can get my hands on some S2VS pieces.
I’ve been to California numerous times, and I would think they would have more stores like Oak. That’s not the case?
There’s more diversity in New York. When labels open up shop, they usually begin in New York. ex: Number (N)ine
Also, I feel New York stockists take more of a chance with picking up new labels to stock. Maybe, it’s because general California style is quite relaxed.
The demographic of New York is definitely more cutting edge than most places. You’re quite lucky you don’t live in Hawaii.
The demographic of New York is definitely more cutting edge than most places. You’re quite lucky you don’t live in Hawaii.