Photo's: Walling McGarity
I first met Larry Paul years ago when I needed help redesigning my labels for Mcbride. He owns a branding company called Purpose- Built. Along the way I discovered he was a professional barber, a successful product formulator (he co-created all of the award winning Odin Men’s fragrances which happen to be DB’s and Max’s favorite men’s perfume) and in his spare time he and Andrew hand make beautiful scarves for their line called Grei. My favorite part about that is they do it in this run down warehouse in Bushwick Brooklyn. They love what they do and for them it is not work.
Andrew Spargo happens to be the best smelling person I have ever met. He is a successful stylist and has impeccable personal style and if I’m not mistaken has some serious crafting skills. Oh and my favorite thing about both of them is they are extremely CALM and have NOT drank their own Kool-Aid. So you know I didn’t let the fact that Larry is a barber past my radar. He is the only person who has cut my kids hair for 4/5 years. I cut my own hair with the help of Max my son but when I mess it up so badly Larry comes to the rescue. So every 4 months or so Larry and Andrew head over to my place, DB fries up a pound of bacon, scramble eggs, I get croissants and juice some oranges and carrots and we sit down for a FRY UP heart attack and then Larry gets down to the business of cutting Max and Eve’s hair. Getting back to the scarves. . . they truly look like their owners. . .they smell good, they are impeccable and they are the most serene, calm scarves I have ever seen. Plus they are one of a kind since each one is individually hand made. They are so organic in color and fabric they look like the Earth gave birth to them. I had some questions for them. . .
Hey guys. . . have you been to Great Adventure this year?
LP - we unfortunately haven't had time for any major adventures. But Coney Island would be my personal choice!
AS - we managed to take a little time off in Provincetown. My first time there. It was super relaxing. Oh and Wave video bar. Hilarious. Probably one of the best nights out on the entire vacation. Slightly dire and slightly fantastic.
How do you remain so CALM?
AS - calm? Are talking about both of us. Larry is totally manic at times wrapped with a calm exterior.
LP - I'll admit I have my moments. But everybody seems cracked out when sitting next to Andrew. He gives off a super relaxed illusion but many times quietly freaking out.
What gave you the idea to start GREI?
LP - we're suckers for accessories. We're both bandana geeks and spend a lot time at flea markets for the perfect vintage find. It all started with making our own bandana designs then before we knew it we had full collection of scarves, bandanas and pocket squares.
AS - we had no intention of creating a brand. GREI. started as a personal project for ourselves.
I loved seeing where GREI is made. It is a true Brooklyn line. How do you choose colors for each season?
AS - It usually starts with one color. I become obsessed with a color and force feed it to Larry until he hops on board. I typically want all the brights and he wants doom and gloom.
LP - that's only half true. Andrew's foundation is in womenswear and he loves a splash of color. I ground him with neutrality. Fortunately we both have a thing for gray and indigo blue.
What are your favorite Brooklyn hotspots?
AS - They seem to change seasonally. But ever since you turned us on to Dino, it's become one of our staples for dinner. We became addicted to kale after having my first Dino Ceasar.
LP - Yeah I crave it so much that I knocked it off. I came up with my own home recipe.
Nighthawk - best theater for dinner, drinks and a movie under one roof
Brooklyn Botanic Garden - gorgeous
Prospect Park Bandshell - love the park and the concert series is pretty good. The Hot Chip show last month was incredible.
Red Hook - maybe not a hot spot for many but a morning at Fairway and a sandwich near the water is a great way to get started. Red Hook almost feels like you've left the city.
Do or Dine - dinner and a disco ball!
Dying can me very tricky. When I had a t-shirt company with my friend Pamela (Girly NYC) I constantly had stains on my clothes and pink hands. How do you get the color just right? Are mistakes a welcomed surprise?
AS: It's definitely tricky, and sometimes nerve wracking. A lot of our best designs come from surprises along the way.
LP: We always welcome surprises when we're initially creating the collection but when it comes to the actual production, surprises = serious meltdowns
Well I can’t wait to see the new season and see you both . . . oh where is the best place for us to buy Grei?
Oh this question could easily get us into trouble. Check out our retailers at www.greinewyork.com
No comments:
Post a Comment