Tristan Detwiler is the founder of STAN - a Southern California brand based on sustainability, surf culture, and storytelling. At just 24 years old, he’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, GQ, Women’s Wear, and is on the Vogue Runway Roster.
From his dorm room to his mom’s garage to a storefront workshop at the Platform in Culver City, Tristan continues to pursue his passion, with surfing and travel as his inspiration. According to Tristan, “After an hour in the water, I get out and I’m ready to create.”
Tristan launched STAN in 2019, and In March of 2020 Rowing Blazers wanted to add his designs on their website. His 18 one-of-a-kind blazers sold out the same morning they debuted. A month later, he was invited to show a spring/summer collection at New York Men’s Day. The story of how he found fabrics, created 20 jackets in two weeks and rented a 1972 VW Bus to create a video for his Fashion Week debut is delightful. His runway collection was a hit, and he was invited back to present a fall/winter collection. (5:00 – 11:20)
Tristan talks about the happenstance meetings that have informed his work. One example he gives is meeting his friend Claire at a sewing shop in Encinitas, San Diego. “This lady came up to me and said, 'What’s a good-looking young surfer dude like you doing in a sewing shop?'” They became fast friends, and before long he was a member of the Bumann Quilters of Olivenhain. As it turns out, one of the member's husband’s great-grandfathers was an original founder of the Olivenhain Colony founded in 1886. The story of the quilting group and the multi-generational 450-acre homestead created the backdrop for his latest collection. (11:46-16:30)
A modern storyteller of ancient textiles, Tristan’s favorite part of his sustainable brand is discovering unknown places around the world and unveiling their cultural textile stories for a new generation. Known for his originality and authenticity, Tristan currently has several collections in the works. One of his creations will be featured next to a look by Ralph Lauren at the upcoming Met Gala. When asked what his dream for the future is, he replied, “I feel like I’m living the dream. If I can keep doing this, I can be happy for a long time.” (31:00-39:43)
Once you listen to this riveting podcast, you’ll want to follow the career of this amazing, authentic talent. To reach Tristan and to stay in the know about his creations, visit @stansclothing on Instagram.