Meet Scott Studenberg and John Targon, the charismatic boys behind the next “It” label Baja East. The lifestyle brand embodies a cool global aesthetic that bridges inspiration from the Far East with the laid back ease from the West Coast and New York’s street sensibility (Gwen Stefani counts herself as a fan). And with New York Fashion Week fall/winter 2015 shows rapidly approaching, we got up close and personal with both designers, and had them answer a quick survey of questions that delve into their new collection (no spoilers, promise) and their personal lives—that takes all of 10 seconds to read.
What word describes your fall/winter 2015 collection?
Scott: Oasis.
John: Sun-bleached.
What are you listening to right now?
Scott: ’90s angst, like Collective Soul, Matchbox 20, Alanis Morissette, Foo Fighters, The Cranberries, Cheryl Crow.
John: K. Michelle.
Where did you go in preparation for your fall/winter 2015 collection?
Scott: I was inspired by my previous travels. We created a textile and knit inspired by this rug I bought in Marrakech that we bartered for 100 bucks.
John: The Rothko exhibit.
The last drink I had was…
Scott: “I Am Cozy” from Cafe Gratitude in LA
John: “Killer X” from Liquiteria
What job would you be doing if you weren’t a fashion designer?
Scott: A yoga instructor on a deserted island in Thailand.
John: Tae Kwon Do instructor.
Where would you go first in NYC if you were a tourist?
Scott: Sex and the City bus tour.
John: West Village.
What is your favorite work of art?
Scott: Ross Bleckner’s Hummingbirds in 2002.
John: “Frontier Fronting” by Delia Brown.
Who’s your favorite superhero?
Scott: Storm from X-Men. She can fly, control the weather, and has major hair and a major outfit. And she has great skin.
John: Batman.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Scott: In New York, I immediately make coffee and gluten-free oatmeal and try not to speak to anybody before then. In LA, I go to the gym and read my emails on the elliptical or StairMaster.
John: Give my boyfriend a good morning kiss.
Who did you design your first piece for?
Scott: For us. We had these handwoven one-of-a-kind ceremonial skirts we sourced from Bali that we constructed into sleeveless Bajas.
John: For myself.
What’s your favorite quote of all time?
Scott: (Created with actual receipts) “Show me the receipts.” — Whitney Houston
John: “Hearts are wild creatures, that’s why our ribs are cages.”
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