Welcome Stranger is a California-inspired menswear brand and boutique based out of San Francisco that specializes in American made goods. I was brought on as the designer and creative coordinator for the start-up private label line and managed the development process starting from its visual conception down to the final product.

On the creative side of things, I drew inspiration from the sub cultures of California, and defined each season by researching historical movements that shaped its history. I maintained the creative cycle with visual research, concept development, trend studies, mood boards and material sourcing.

On the technical side of things, I worked with a great team of local contractors that handled our pattern making, grading, marking and manufacturing. I maintained the production cycle with tech packs, production planning and vendor communications.

The Welcome Stranger designs reflect a clean and modern approach to American sportswear with close attention to unique fabrics, colors and fit. The line featured a collection of premium basics like chinos, t-shirts, and outerwear with an 80% annual sell through.

The best selling style, the Bison T-shirt was born from a search for the heaviest T-shirt material in America, it was created with the cool weather of San Francisco in mind. The result was a T-shirt sourced from the heaviest weight and highest quality cotton, that holds its shape with a crisp and rigid body.

I created a fit in harmony with the characteristics of the fabric, and incorporated new colors every season based on the inspiration point at hand. The collection grew to twenty five color ways in the four years since its conception.