California Fashion Designer: Local Inspiration, Global Reach
Since founding his apparel brands in 2007, Michael has forged alliances with automotive legends like Carroll Shelby and George Barris creating apparel that recalls the golden days of Southern, California racing and customizing. A culture Michael grew up with, his father Dean has always worked in the automotive industry, it was not uncommon to find the driveway populated with Mach 1 Mustangs or customized show vehicles. Michael’s first brand “Morgan’s & Phillip’s” was created in 2007 and is focused on the automotive and motorcycle lifestyle, since its launch, retailers in Japan, London, Rome, and across the US have stocked M&P. Looking around the studio, which is in a over 100 year old barn, it is easy to see where Michael draws his inspiration. On the shelves, there are vintage Harley gas tanks, photos of classic cars, and stacks of books. Racks and racks of original vintage apparel are in the corner of the office, as is a rack marked “One Offs”, those are gifts for clients, celebrities, friends, and family. Some are as simple as just adding the recipient’s name, while others are unique one of a kind garments made by hand. “We don’t pay for endorsements, I know we probably should get our stuff on the right people, but we believe that the right people are those who seek us out” said Michael. The philosophy is that if people love the product they will use more, it seems to work, as the “One Offs” Rack includes products going to television personalities, comedians, Rodeo Stars, and even a Playboy model. The showroom at Michael’s studio is currently not open to the public, but later this year, they will be adding a “by appointment” option for customers who want to stop in. Michael’s other fashion line is Original Cowgirl & Original Cowboy Clothing Co. which also draw on his families unique history. A third generation Southern Californian, Michael’s family used to ranch in much of the area around the Santa Ana River. The family still has roots in Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas, many of whom are still in the ranching business. Original Cowgirl & Cowboy could best be described as contemporary fashion with a vintage feel. The line is mostly known for its line of bold graphic tees that are inspired by the old west. “We have shirts that feature my Great Grand Mother, and several feature people in the family or places they lived”. Michael just got back from a trip, visiting the rural community of Springer, New Mexico where his maternal Grand Parents lived for a time and his uncle was born. Photographing and walking the streets where they lived, inspiration that will no doubt be seen in his next collection. However, it is not all about building the biggest apparel company, or the most widely known; in fact, Michael and the team believe in working with small businesses and keeping their brands out of the big chains. “We have turned down offers, lucrative offers, that would have propelled our brand to a new level, but we want people to feel like they have discovered us. We want enthusiasts, not just customers for that one season,” said Michael. It is a business model that seems to work; currently you can find Michael’s products at retailers in 21 countries and every state in the USA. Tell me about your new brand “Scopo”, what’s the meaning behind it? “Scopo translates to Purpose, and that is the driving factor behind the brand, the profits from this brand go to a charity we work with in Nicaragua.” - Michael Michael has been focused on growing his new charity line, Scopo Surf. The line of apparel and accessories were created to generate funds for the Harvest Initiative a group that works in rural Nicaragua building infrastructure, schools, clinics, churches, and community centers. Michael has been working in Nicaragua since he was 17, his idea for Scopo was conceived on the way home from his last trip, when he sat next to a young Surfer that was returning from a holiday. “Being in Southern California, it was a good fit” said Michael. The company also imports products made in Nicaragua through a program designed to create small businesses in rural communities, the goods are purchased at fair trade prices and sold via the Scopo website (Scoposurf.com), the best part is the profits are all being directed back to Nicaragua. The Scopo team is made up of volunteers, so as much money as possible can be sent to improve the lives of people in some of Nicaragua’s poorest communities. How do you think basing your products in local places and real people has helped your brand? “When I first started doing this, I noticed how most apparel companies just tossed a jumble of phrases or keywords on a jacket or a shirt, it looked kind of cool, but it you took the time to read it, it made no sense. People, we have found, especially overseas, love when they pick up a garment and they know there is a story behind it. Each design has a story, a reason for being part of the collection, and that is what has set us apart.” - Michael I ended my time with Michael talking about his other passion, cars and motorcycles, currently he has a classic Austin Mini Cooper, an Austin Healey Roadster, and a top secret project that he would only say is “Triumph based” in addition to that Michael has a few what he calls “normal cars”. He started buying and building cars when he was 14 years old, and spent his law mowing money on a 1954 Ford that he purchased from a farm down the road from his grandparents farm. His obsession with all things on wheels can be seen on Mike’s blog, TheGentlemanRacer.com. For more on Michael Check out the following pages: Public Facebook Page: Facebook.com/Satterfield.Mike Morgan’s & Phillip’s: MorgansandPhillips.com RBR Wholesale: RBRwholesale.com About Author Robert has been writting about business, fashion, culture, and the automotive community for over 25 years. Based in Southern California, Roberts work can be seen in major publications and regional newspapers. Disclaimer: Article submitters are solely responsible for the content of their articles. ArtiLib can't be held liable for the contents of the articles. Report Abuse | Browse By Category |
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