I prayed for a warm front and  Stampd’ LA answered my call. Equipped with a beach ball and stickers, today Los Angeles met Brooklyn. Designer Chris Stamp (of Stampd’ LA) also took the time out to grant LB an inside look…

Blogging brings me a strange kind of pleasure. Mostly because through random photography I can find myself at the threshold of a new relationship: Stampd’ LA. The LA aesthetic is not only epitomized through the Stampd’ LA brand but so too are it’s innovative creators.  When you want something to resonate–What you gon do but hustle? Start a t-shirt line? We off that.

Chris Stamp: designer and founder of Stampd’ LA

Interview with Chris Stamp:

Chris On Stampd’ LA and taking another route in the fashion industry…

“We’re a footwear brand with a strong focus on the arts, whether that be fine art, photography, video, or music etc. We try and focus more on a lifestyle that Stampd’ portrays rather than just a pair of shoes.”

“With footwear, in a way I fell into it. Fashion was something I always wanted to work in, but I didn’t know it would be specifically in footwear. I knew if I jumped into the industry I couldn’t do something predictable like a T-Shirt line, especially if I wanted to make an impact and set myself apart from what people are always seeing. Shoes have been a passion of mine since I was a little kid. So while going to business school, I wrote a business plan outlining an online shoe customizing website, called “Stampd’ LA”. That was 4 years ago.”

On the biggest obstacle getting into the industry…

“For me getting into the fashion industry wasn’t really the hard part. The hard part was staying persistent with what I thought I could accomplish. When you’re initially starting a new business, coming up there are a lot of things pushing you back. Whether it be people, money, whatever. But you have to be true to what you initially envisioned and just do it. Anything is possible; I’m a strong believer in positive thinking.”

Chris’ take on L.A. vs. New York style…

“I think a lot of the style that comes out of LA is based on the climate. I mean, it’s December and a few days ago it was 85 degrees. Not to say it’s like that everyday but that’s a big determining factor in what people wear here. Aside from that, I think people here have more of a relaxed take on clothes here. You aren’t able to always layer so it’s usually a T, pair of jeans or khakis rolled up and some low tops. For me personally, I go comfort first, and then whatever’s in the front of my closet second. What ever is inspiring me at that moment in time I usually get dressed after. Sometimes I’ll see a Japanese street style magazine and be like yo, I’m feeling those dropped crotched acid washed denim jeans. The next day I’ll be listening to an NWA album and be rocking my Vintage Kings letterman jacket.”

On what inspires him and the future of StampdLA

“For me I get inspired by just about everything–if it’s cool. I get inspired by up and coming designers and musicians doing their thing. One of my homies Rob Roy who recently performed at our Holiday release party is an inspiring dude. Just watching him perform makes me want to do what I do better. Experiencing artist do what they do passionately, seeing that they really are in it because that’s what they love to do—inspire.”

“We are definitely pushing the sneaker boundaries in the coming seasons. We have boot plans, and possibly some kind ofwomen’s roll out.”

The Hustle…

“After I graduated college I moved to LA, where I worked at a restaurant at night, while running “Stampd’ LA” as a custom shoe company during the day. I would paint shoes all day long, filling online orders and small wholesale orders through boutiques like Fred Segal’s Conveyor, and then work till about 1 or 2am waiting tables. I did that for about the first two years out of College, then, I got a break working for my friends clothing line. That was a huge turning point in setting me up for what was to come. I was able to learn a lot of industry know how in a quick amount of time. The company is small so you had to know how to do everything, from selling, to designing, and accounting to dealing with China.”

My Cooley Hi’s to match my LateBoots x Dee & Ricky lego heart.

*StampdLA shoes can be purchased at the following retailers: Traffic (Los Angeles), Saint Alfred’s (Chicago), Wish (Atlanta), American Rag Cie (Japan), and Hi’s and Low’s (Australia) And for a full list visit  StampdLA Retailers.