It is my pleasure to introduce to you J.D. Elquist, not only a man with style, but a man with an incredible drive for the things he loves to do. In this case, one of them being clothing. J.D is a twenty four year old F.I.D.M graduate, who has been working on his clothing company, J.Elquist Clothiers, for quite some time now. J.D is now getting ready to release the first part of the collection later next month. With the brand’s website soon to be up after.

The collection will be featuring eight items is their basic colors year around, those being a dress shirt, polo shirt, t-shirt, jeans, chinos, denim coat, pea coat and a sport coat. After every season, seasonal colors will be added in some of the items, as well as additional garments to enhance the collection for the specific season. What makes this collection classic to me, it is that fact that the items have a timeless appeal with a perfect fit. 

I had a chance to talk to J.D himself about his up bringing, the brand and future goals. I got to know him better as a person. But it also helped me appreciate and understand his work a lot more.

- Q&A:

How much and what parts of your childhood influenced you the most?

My childhood had a huge influence in my life. I was born to a county commissioner and a party girl. After my parents split, my mom and I spent the good portion of my childhood with the Hells Angels. You can imagine it wasn’t very pretty. It was growing up around the Hells Angels that really influenced my life and style the most. I saw a lot of not what to do as a man. So in turn I decided my life was going to be opposite of the lifestyle of the Hells Angels. The men were greasy, un showered, and crude. My style is handsome, clean and well mannered.

Living in Seattle, what has the city taught you when it comes to style?

Seattle itself is a beautiful city, but is lacking in style. The biggest thing to come from Seattle is Grunge and that died in the early 90’s. Today, style is Seattle is influenced by the great outdoors. Most of the style you see translates to what the person is doing. That has been the biggest lesson Seattle was taught. Dress for what you do. A lot of fashion allows you to emulate when it doesn’t even make sense. True style translates from a dinner party to a mountainside.

Read the rest of the interview and check out some photographs of the collection after the jump.

How did J.Elquist come about?

J.Elquist was born in a hotel cafe in San Francisco, Ca. Myself and a few close friends breathed the brand into life over countless coffees and sleepless nights. During this time I was working for Ralph Lauren while attending F.I.D.M. Working for a major retailer and attending fashion school really taught me a lot. I don’t know if was necessarily a skill set as much as the realization of something lacking. I realized I wanted to start a brand of my own, to make my attempt at filling a void. Of course with anything great it has been filled with disappointment and major mistakes.God willing, 3 years later the brand is stronger than ever.

What made you choose to make the clothes in the US, knowing that overseas is much cheaper?

When you look at the designers who define “Americana” and their garments are made off shore, it feels like an oxymoron. I want to make clothing that represents our country in our country. I also enjoy the personal relationships I have with my manufacturers. I know more about them then their ability to make my clothing, and I feel like our relationship creates a sense of pride that goes into each piece. Lastly, my clothing is my artwork. The individuals who make my clothing are true artists and I want nothing more than to support them in their art form.

Are the items in the collection going to be limited?

The items in the collection will absolutely be limited. This is to ensure that quality and detail goes into each piece. More importantly a limited run allows for my customers style to stay unique to them. In creating a collection that is in a limited run, it also creates a sense of pride and belonging. Imagine you are out and you notice someone else in the same shirt. It allows for the opportunity to recognize the other person knowing that the shirt you have only belongs to a small number of men in the world.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Drinking coffee in the morning sun, sitting at a small table on the sidewalk, outside of J.Elquist Clothiers, L.A. Enjoying being humble but comfortable, married and more in love than ever.

What does the perfect outfit consist on?

The perfect outfit contains to the occasion. The perfect outfit day in and day out Navy Blazer, white oxford button down, one wash raw selvedge denim, black wing tips, and a white pocket square. Nothing perfect, but the hair.

What do you want to accomplish with J.Elquist?

I want to bring men back to the forefront, bring Christ into fashion, and make beautiful clothing in our great country.

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