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MASTERING BLACK: PUBLIC SCHOOL!

Not everyone looks back on their school days with a sense of style nostalgia—but then again, not everyone grows up and goes to school in the style capital that is New York City. Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, the founders and designers behind menswear line Public School, use their NYC upbringing as inspiration every day.

The designers first met when they worked together at Sean John, Puff Daddy’s clothing line, in the early aughts (both still refer to their former boss as “Puff”). Chow eventually became the label’s creative director, while Osborne oversaw all woven design. Chow left in 2005 to launch Arrive, a Miami-based men’s retail store, but they kept in touch. 

The idea for Public School was born out of frustration: “We were walking through a showroom one day, talking about what we were excited to wear as individuals,” says Osborne. “And we were like, ‘Shit, there’s nothing really here. What the fuck are we doing? Let’s start a brand.’”

A recent indication of their hard work and recognition was seen when they won the glorious CFDA’s Swarovski Award for Menswear and now thy're up for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award for 2013 as well.

The Public School look is modern, edgy, tailored sportswear,” says Chow of their relaxed knit pants, leather jackets, and ombré-dyed flannel shirts. “Our customer is the 28-to-45-year-old male who’s well traveled and appreciates high-low references, from music to food to film.” While their look is commonly described as “downtown,” don't tell them that. “It’s too clichéd,” Chow explains