Sophomore Fall 08

Chrissie Miller is another girl from New York City that we must give props, or we wouldn’t be doing our jobs. We mentioned her Spring 08 line here last season. Sophomore, has been steadily making waves and maturing into something of a juggernaut.

(Chrissie Miller)

Born a Pisces, that means Chrissie is an old soul who’s been around for many lives, and thus has an innate sense of instinct when it comes to putting people, places, and vibes together. Sophomore is officially a lifestyle among her friends — artists, actors, musicians, painters, poets and filmmakers. I’m sure her mother can break it down better considering she was raised by Queen Bee astrologist Susan Miller of Astrologyzone.com (that’s some serious cosmic stripes in the fam).

We sat down with Chrissie this week as her new Fall collection hits stores, and asked her what’s up?

(Current: Fall 08 Collection)

Jauretsi: Tell me about the new Sophomore line and what the influences were in this latest collection — as well as how its generally stepped up in quality this season?

Chrissie Miller: Sophomore just recently expanded into a Mens & Women’s sportswear collection. We have some basic pieces like T-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts mixed in with some more fashion pieces like dresses, jackets, skirts etc… Madeleine von Froomer (formally at Proenza Schooler) joined me to create the new line. Our inspiration for the line was clothes we couldn’t find, like the perfect U neck t-shirt in a fabric that wasn’t too thin or too thick. We also spend a lot of time in the library looking at all kinds of images from children’s clothes from the 70′s to bondage outfits from the 80′s. Having worked at Proenza, Madeleine has an incredible attention to detail. When you are designing basic, it’s all about the details.

Can you share with our readers how you began Sophomore? And the friends/family core that have lived the brand, and help make it what it is today?

I only use friends for our Look books. I am so inspired by the people around me, it just feels more genuine to use them. My best friends, Jen Brill and Donald Cumming, have been in every Lookbook since I started. Bijou reminds me of growing up in New York. Her character in Bully was so inspiring to creating this Lookbook. Then there’s Elenore Hedricks. Hendricks is just adorable, she looks like a teenage runaway, I just love her. Nick Ackerman and I have been friends since we were kids (he’s also my roommate). And Wade Oats is like a little brother to me, he totally helps me come up with ideas for our mens clothes!

(The gang: Previous Lookbook, Spring 08)

I started Sophomore in 2003 with Shawn Regruto. He had done another clothing line, so this was his “Sophomore” line. We started with graphic T-shirts and sold them at my friend, Charlotte Ronson’s, store just for shits and giggles. Then we got some press and more stores! Then last year, I re-launched the brand with Madeleine, and with Opening Ceremony as our sales team.

(Fall 08 T’s: Jen Brill and Donald Cumming of The Virgins)

Tell me about your inspiration for the “Stay Gold” shirt. I’m assuming its a shout-out to our kid crush, Ponyboy?

The Outsiders is one of my favorite movies and I had been toying with different ideas for an homage to the movie. At one point, it was gonna be “The Socs vs. Greasers”. Oh well, maybe it will be a follow up…

(Coppola’s The Outsiders: The Inspiration)

To see all the new looks from Fall 08, go to Sophomore/Fall08.

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Campaign Photography by Cass Bird