Without season

‘Inspiration comes from the fact that we’re from different backgrounds and influences but come together with the intent of making something new.’

MANILA, Philippines - Local tropics pretty much dictate three to four weather patterns: hot, somewhat less hot, rainy, and a humid combination of the first three. But if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to know that there’s a line you’d want to wear all year round, regardless of season.

Introducing S/S Supply Goods. S/S stands for Sans/Saison, which, according to owner Aren Pe, is French for “without season.”  Or, in modern man code — without fuss. Pe also claims it’s a menswear label that revolves around “functional essentials that make any man look good in any situation.” And he’s on point. You have the classic button-down shirts but reinterpreted with curious details here and there. Lightweight cotton jackets and nifty five-panel caps, too.

Pe co-owns the brand with Paulo Martinez, the founder of the street wear brand Creative Elite Operation, which Pe has also recently became a part of. He says Pau brings in his extensive design and tailoring experience as well as his street aesthetic as head designer of the brand, so you know you’re getting the best of both worlds in S/S. Here, Pe talks more about S/S and where they shot their exotic look book.

YOUNG STAR: First of all, congrats on the line. Plaids and prints seem to be an inspiration here, but where is all of this really coming from?

AREN PE: Thank you! We’ve been working on it all year.  Our debut collection for AW13 is inspired by the heritage and history of old English country wear. We experimented with the classic plaid and played with different prints and textures, which are rooted in nature and its elements.

How does the entire line connect with your own personal taste and background?

I’ve been greatly influenced by my travels abroad and having lived in different parts of the world, I guess it gave me a unique perspective. The brand’s design is a fusion of clean, classic, and tailored European style with an Asian flair. It’s a mix of what I’ve seen and experienced from these cultures.

What do you think differentiates S/S from other street brands?

The main difference lies mostly in the perspective. Inspiration comes from the fact that we’re from different backgrounds and influences but come together with the intent of making something new. Design-wise, classic tailoring is always the starting point but we strive to incorporate relevant contemporary details. Really subtle, nothing outlandish, just enough to elevate it from the basic.
We don’t want to rely on just buzz and hype. We’d rather concentrate on providing our customers with a premium, high quality product that we hope becomes a staple in their everyday lives.

You mentioned you were planning a release for the line. Where and how can people get your products?

We will officially launch S/S Supply Goods through a pop-up shop on Nov. 16 at COVA in Makati. Initially we will be stocked at Greyone Social in Greenbelt but international stockists will soon follow.

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Check out S/S Supply Goods at ssgoods.com where you can place international and local orders. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SSgoods as well as on Facebook at facebook.com/SSSupplyGoods.