DORÉ

It’s Men’s Fashion Week (claps and cheers in the background)!!!! Which is my favorite time to check out what the dudes are wearing, because that’s what I’m really inspired by at the moment. Remember my rant about Robert Downey Jr.? Guys just wear clothes with such ease and often build a sort of effortless uniform. That’s my ultimate style goal, but I’m a looonnnnnng way from having that mastered…

Daniel Corrigan, alongside his design partner Chelsea Hansford, is the genius behind the effortlessly cool and ultimate studio favorite Simon Miller. Their denim and fabrics are all sourced from Japan and everything is produced in sunny Los Angeles. Of course.

I somehow got my hands on a pair of their perfectly cropped frayed jeans (the brand’s specialty) and we’ve been inseparable ever since. They make clothes you want to live in, the kind of clothes that would become your uniform.

Stepping inside Daniel’s delicious home in West Hollywood, it’s crystal clear that he practices exactly what he preaches when it comes to personal style and home decor. Everything about Daniel is well thought out and expertly executed. He sports those perfectly worn-in t-shirts you can’t just find, and half-cuffs his denim the way you wish you could but just can’t get right (sigh).

Describe your style in three words.
Uncomplicated, minimal, lasting.

When did you first know that you had an interest in fashion?
There was never that ah-ha moment for me. While I was studying graphic design at California Institute of the Arts, I started working on denim in Los Angeles and my interest grew from there. I’m a firm believer that the people you surround yourself with will alter your course in life. I never set out to create a women’s line, but then I met Chelsea Hansford (Simon Miller co- creative director) and we started developing the women’s collection and expanded to accessories. Things just continued to evolve.

How have your environments, like location and upbringing, influenced your style?
I’m a west coast guy, as I grew up in Seattle and spent most of my childhood between Seattle and Santa Barbara. I’d say those two places have had a huge impact on my style. Having a sense of ease to how I dress was definitely influenced by my upbringing.

How have you changed, style wise or professionally, since Simon Miller?
I have a huge appreciation for product and the manufacturing process. I spend most of my day at our sewing facilities (most of the Simon Miller collection is produced in Los Angeles), so I really value the work that goes into creating something. I surprisingly don’t have a lot of clothing, just stick to a few key pieces I wear daily.

What’s your favorite piece in your wardrobe and why?
We do a capsule collection of Made in Japan jeans each season so I have a couple pairs of vintage inspired jeans I wear everyday. Vintage denim is so easy to dress up or down and, living in Los Angeles, is basically appropriate for any function.

Is there something that you are lusting after at the moment? Something that is missing from your wardrobe?
I’d love a vintage Raf Simons jacket! I also find it hard to find really nice men’s leather jackets so I’ve been looking out for one. Because I have a clothing brand and produce a full collection, something really needs to stand out, either the fabric, construction, or packaging. I buy clothing less to wear and more to have as inspiration. However when I’m in Japan all bets are off.

Coffee vs. Tea?
Coffee (no question about it).

Big City or Small Town?
Small town, I grew up in a really small town in Washington.

Morning or Night?
Morning – I’m rarely up past 10pm.

Favorite Cocktail?
Moscow Mule then move to Old Fashion.

Biggest source of inspiration right now?
Japan – for the craftsmanship and integrity of manufacturing.

Favorite place to be on a Friday night?
Depending on how crazy the week was, at home sleeping or at a bar with friends.