Designer Scott Sternberg will no longer see his project, Band of Outsiders, morph into the fashion empire he so desired. What started out as a niche menswear brand, the Los Angeles based label grew in popularity among fashion-minded individuals who embraced the modern yet skewed preppy look.
Sternberg experienced some early success in 2009 when he won the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s best-menswear-designer award, tying with Calvin Klein’s Italo Zucchelli. On the heels of the award, Band of Outsiders recorded roughly $12 million in sales.
It was time for Sternberg to initiate a plan that will move the company forward. It was time for the label to grow. By offering a women’s line and expanding through an online and brick-and-mortar strategy, Band of Outsiders would presumably be around for a while, but as of the moment it seems to be lacking funds.
According to Fashionista, the company had issued a massive layoff and all future wholesale orders were cancelled. Last month saw the departure of Nicole Cari, the vice president of marketing and communications.
So did expansion for Band of Outsiders come too soon? The Wall Street Journal mentioned this very possible outcome. The delicacy lies in,
“Whether a label which prides itself on being outside the mainstream – and doesn’t advertise in major media – can grow without damaging its indie-cool factor.”
Sternberg did not think there was much substance to the argument.
“I’m just trying to maintain an honest and growing dialogue with people. Over time, the plan is to offer a wider range of products and price points, and I don’t think that at all compromises the dialogue.”
For now, these are only rumors, and the company has not issued any official press releases to deny or corroborate the story.
Image: Via Band of Outsiders
