Simon Spurr

Early life

Simon Spurr was born and raised in Kent, England, the son of two bankers. His father's style shaped his design perspectives at an early age as Spurr discussed in a 2011 interview: "I still look up to him... he's also very influential in my aesthetics. My dad had a lot of suits working in a bank, late '60s, early '70s. They still had the slim lapel, the narrow shoulder. And I guess it was subconsciously ingrained in me. That's the decade I always go back to."

In a 2010 interview, Spurr explained his journey into what would become his career: “I actually almost fell into fashion. Whilst studying my art foundation course at KIAD, I was coaxed by my professors into fashion. But even at this early point I remember having a good eye for tailoring. I once laid out fabric on my parents floor and cut a pant without following any pattern, sewed them up and they actually fit pretty well. So I applied, and was accepted, by a great fashion design program at Middlesex University in London and it snowballed from there.” Spurr went on to study Men’s Fashion Design at Middlesex University and graduated in 1996.

Early career

Upon graduation Spurr was hired to design menswear for Yves Saint Laurent, working under acclaimed designer Hedi Slimane. He recounted working with Slimane in a 2010 interview: “One of the strongest memories I remember from working with Hedi, was him telling us to throw away the ‘trend books’ that are often used as guidance for younger designers. Set vision, don’t follow trend.” This left a lasting influence on the designer's approach to design: "I appreciate, I look, I listen, but on the whole I completely disengage from the rest of what's going on in fashion. I have a feeling, an emotion, that comes out in the form of clothes."

From YSL, Spurr was recruited by cK Calvin Klein in 2001 to be the head menswear designer, based in New York City. In 2003, he was named Design Director for Polo Ralph Lauren's Purple Label and Black Label ranges. During his tenure at Ralph Lauren, Spurr made the decision to start his own company; "I needed to make the choice between putting my feet under the table and enjoying the financial rewards associated with foreseeable promotion [at Ralph Lauren], or take an educated gamble and try to create something that would allow me to have freedom down the road for a family. It felt like my last chance to get out of the corporate world."

An emerging designer

Spurr launched his menswear line, SPURR, in 2006 with American-made selvedge denim jeans. The line was immediately picked up by Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. In 2007, the line expanded to include sportswear, suiting, and accessories, establishing a full lifestyle brand. In 2009, the brand broadened even further with the creation of SIMON SPURR, a designer collection made entirely in Italy. Spurr described the clientele he designs for in a 2011 interview: “I design for a man that has awareness of life, culture, proportion and design. A diverse man that understands quality but also has a strong idea of his own sensibility.” After several well received presentations, Spurr held his first fashion show during New York’s Fall ’10 Fashion Week, in February 2010. Following the success of the shows and critical acclaim, Spurr was named creative consultant for the Tommy Hilfiger men's runway collection in November 2010.

Spurr has been touted for revitalizing the men's three-piece suit which includes his signature eight-button vest. He explained his thoughts on this in a 2011 interview: "Because [the vest] has this corset-like feel, it gives you better posture and you really feel you’re wearing something tailor-made and handcrafted." This aesthetic is inspired by a variety of influences, one specifically not straying far from his British roots; "Tommy Nutter was an avant-garde tailor on Britain's Savile Row in the 60's /70's. He took the conventional notion of a bespoke 3 piece suit and turned it on its head using bold scales and mixing patterns. For me it [is] more about the notion of altering one's perception of the stereotypical image of the suit... The menswear that I make at SIMON SPURR is modern, elegant and yet carries a fresh spirit. I am bringing a very English look to New York Fashion week with a strong blend of style, functionality and also wearability. Ultimately, I think it’s my British roots that allows SIMON SPURR to stand alone in the American market."

Spurr's label was embraced by celebrities, many of whom wore his suits as he discussed in a November 2011 interview: "Simon Spurr [the brand], has hit its stride, so to speak. I think it’s really starting to resonate with the public. It’s always done well inside the world of fashion, but I think that the exceptional number of celebrity dressing we've done over the past year has really helped spread the word. There’s a whole new wave of American actors who are finding a new wave of American designers, and I happen to be one of them who does red carpet suiting quite well."

In January 2012, Spurr merged his two lines, SPURR and SIMON SPURR, to create a more expansive collection under the SIMON SPURR moniker. In March 2012, Spurr received a nomination for best menswear designer of the year from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, but abruptly announced that he was departing from his eponymous label just two days later. The New York Times attributed the split between Spurr and the investors that financed the label to a desire by the investors to make the label more commercial and less exclusive, something that the SPURR diffusion line hadn't been able to achieve.

Spurr currently resides in New York City with his dog, a rhodesian ridgeback named Apollo.

Since splitting with his namesake label last year and completing a stint over at Tommy Hilfiger, Spurr has reemerged with a stunning showing at London Men's Fashion week Fall/Winter 2014 as the new Creative Director of English brand, Kent & Curwen.

Awards and nominations