Man of the people

YStyle sat down with designer Joey Samson to talk about the second installment of his collaboration with Human. What’s on his mind? Streetwear with more than a little edge. And clothing that can transform from one style to another.

YSTYLE: Before we begin, tell me what you’re wearing right at this very moment.

I’m wearing a gray and beige Dries van Noten oversized sweater, an old pair of cut-off denim shorts and navy Jil Sander shoes.

What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve purchased?

Shoes and bags. I’d rather not say what.

And the cheapest?

Socks and belts.

Do you still have them?

Yes. You’ll never know when you’ll be needing a teal belt or houndstooth patterned socks. More often than not they can complete the look or make an otherwise blah outfit look more interesting.

Does price matter when you shop?

It’s vital.

What’s your opinion on the whole designer-mass market collaboration? Do you think that kind of move dilutes the integrity of the label? Or do you think every high-end designer should do it and make their wares available to everyone at a more democratic price?

I think it gives the designer a chance to reach out to a wider market, and make their work more accessible — especially to those who either are not in the whole made-to-order thing or don’t have the means. Fact is — it’s a lot more expensive to have something customized.

There are ideas and concepts that are best translated through retail — like the market can understand it easily or they can relate to it more if it’s done in a simpler manner.

One of your close friends and fellow designer Ivar Aseron partnered with F&H for his own collaboration. How would you describe the results and relative outcome of the diffusion line?

I guess it did well because as far as I know Ivar already did two collections for the brand.

How did your partnership with Human come about?

More than a year ago Mr. Ben Chan asked me if I’d be interested to design a line or a limited-edition thing for Human. He told me what he had in mind, then I shared my thoughts and came up with some studies. From there, I came up with the first collection.

Describe the collection. Who did you have in mind when designing it?

Basically it’s for people who are more open-minded, who are willing to inject a fresher feel to their everyday uniform.

For this collection, I tried to come up with genderless pieces. The collection being limited in styles, I thought it would be best to cater to both genders, so that’s where the open-mindedness and creativity comes in.

There are also pieces with two-in-one looks, like dresses and jackets with detachable hoods.

What’s the cheapest thing from the line?

Most likely the T-shirts.

This is the second collection you’ve done for human — the first was mainly for men. Is this collection an evolution from the original or do you start with a clear slate each time?

It’s different. I think the second collection has more of a street vibe.

What and when can we expect from your next human line?

For the holidays, jailhouse stripes, houndstooth, plaid and pattern on pattern.

Which designer would you like to see do a diffusion line in the future?

Margiela and Gareth Pugh.

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The Joey Samson for Human collection launches in most Human stores this week.