For most Midwest natives, a sense of sartorial style and the urge to wander the world and explore far-off places isn’t exactly inborn.  But exceptions to the rule exist; and, in our experience, have proven to be exceptionally amicable individuals.

Tim Hamilton is one such (Corn State-conceived) anomaly.  The Iowa-born-and-bred, now NYC-based fashion designer’s leanings toward finely-tailored, Americana-inspired menswear have earned him many comparisons to revolutionary designers like Thom Browne and Ralph Lauren.  And this year, there’s even more reason to compare.  Hamilton has been nominated for one of the fashion industry’s highest honors – the CFDA award for menswear designer of the year (an honor bestowed upon Browne in 2006).

Upon learning of the young designer’s Iowan upbringing, we were eager for his take on the state’s beloved small metropolis – Iowa City.  From the inescapable collegiate presence (the University of Iowa is ranked as the 8^th top party school in the nation, according to the Princeton Review), to the world famous pie shakes from Hamburg Inn No.2, Hamilton obliged us with the inside scoop.  In his own words: 

What are you working on right now?
I’m in Japan, then going to Italy to work on A/W ‘07 production and hand off S/S ’08 design.

Who is the first person you called after hearing of your CFDA nomination?
My old boss (who is from Iowa too) – I didn’t get through to him, then called one of my dear friends in LA.

How has the Midwest informed your sense of style and/or sensibilities?
For style I would say it made me hungry to seek out something different. I always thought I had to dress different to make a statement.

I see the Midwest upbringing influence more in how I communicate. I’m pretty grounded and laid-back, which I think comes from my Iowa upbringing. I think it’s important to be as kind as possible in the fashion business. People tend to get complex egos and take themselves too seriously.

What are the best and worst things about Midwestern style?
You could say there’s a bit of weight problem more towards Middle America. The cool thing about American Midwest style is when you see how working-class people dress. It’s timeless. Maybe one day I’ll do a line based off that. My father had the sensibility down.

What’s the best thing about living in Iowa City?
Living with my sister Soroyah who always made sense on how to live life with her quick comedic timing. She got it from my mother. Also just the people in general are nice and grounded. 

The beauty of a small metropolis vs. a large one?
I’ll take the big for energy, but the small town for a pat on the back once in awhile. 

Have you been to the Hamburg Inn No.2?  If so, what’s the phenomenon with the pie-shake?
No. I was vegetarian when I lived there but I’m not now. The sound of that pie makes me want to be vegan/veggie now.

Best place to splurge on a meal?
New Pioneer Co-op. I use to mop floors there at night and dig in the bulk trail mix and carob chips. YUM!

Any great second-hand shops?
I used to find some things at Rag Stock, but the staff were always asses. I would just go to Salvation Army or Goodwill. No attitude there.

Best place to party late-night?
It’s best to just crash something. I can’t recall a going out that much in Iowa. My sister took me to a few parties but for the most part I worked at night and was saving my energy for NYC nightlife.

Three things one must do when visiting Iowa City for the first time?
Go to New Pioneer Co-op, go to the Record Collector, and get your hair cut at Buzz salon by my sister Sorayah.

Best place(s) to embrace your inner-frat-boy?
Oh god. Keep it repressed!  Or move to LA and make frat-boy adult video.  [To note: if you’re looking to do so in Iowa City, take a stroll along the Pedestrian Mall and stop in one of the many perpetually-student-packed bars.]

Best place(s) to escape the collegiate community?
Stay at home; they are everywhere.

Best bar?
The Deadwood.

Where should one go when looking for culture – art, film, etc?
Go to Prairie Lights Books -- they also have great visiting authors for book readings. 

Where should one stay (non-chain hotel)?
I would stay at this small in-town B&B – the Golden Haug.

Best place to go when the first warm spring day arrives?
Walk around downtown.

~Alisa Gould-Simon