My Town: Los Angeles
Scott Sternberg’s Guide to the Outside
Today sees the launch of yet another LA Fashion Week. Not that many people care. Now, this is not to imply that LA, sartorially speaking, is without significance. But the most interesting style is far from the runways lining Smashbox Studios. For instance, just below the Hollywood Bowl at Scott Sternberg’s place.
While Sternberg, designer and creator of sought-after menswear line Band of Outsiders, has clothed countless leading actors/directors/entertainers (Brad Pitt, Justin Timberlake and Patrick 
Dempsey included), he’s a far cry from your average Hollywood-based fashion designer. Band of Outsiders’ aesthetic tendencies typify ‘New Wave’ meets 1970s Americana. And Sternberg’s approach to marketing parallels the rebellious, non-glossy realism championed by the 1964 Jean-Luc Godard film that lends the line its name (perhaps partly a reaction to the few years the designer spent as an agent at CAA). Even Band of Outsiders’ website is an eye-catching minimalist blog replete with Polaroids of models sporting Sternberg’s signature bowties and skinny suits (and a highly-recommended links section).
So, we asked the Dayton, Ohio-born, Washington University-educated designer (via email) about his adopted hometown as well as his eagerly anticipated move into women’s wear. In his own words:
My women’s collection, ‘Boy.’
How would describe ‘Boy’ in terms of aesthetics and who you see wearing it?
Not ready to share specifics yet, but it’s all in the name and it’s for everyone.
What most influences your designs?
Objects and clothing and memories from my childhood.
Describe LA Fashion Week in 5 words or less…
Not something I would attend.
Sure, in terms of instilling comfort and ease into the clothes.
What brought you to LA in the first place?
Movies.
What’s kept you there?
Mexican food.
Best place to go for a taste of old Hollywood?Musso and Frank's [Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, est. 1919]. The food is horrible, the service is questionable, and the décor is dank… but it’s an amazing time-capsule.
Best place to escape to (even if only for the afternoon)?
New Beverly Cinema, a revival theater on Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood. They program and counter-program rad double features of classic and contemporary films pretty brilliantly. It’s where I first saw the Godard movie “Bande à Part” (which translates to “Band of Outsiders”).
Benito’s Taco Shop – 3 rolled tacos, light sour cream, extra guac.
Favorite place to party into the wee hours of the morning?
My friend Kevin’s house in Laurel Canyon.
Where (in LA) do you get inspired?
At home.
What do you drive and what's playing inside it recently?
A starter Benz from my CAA days. I shuffle, so a little bit of everything is playing.
Favorite neighborhood haunt?
In-N-Out burger…double-double with cheese, no mustard, vanilla milkshake when severely depressed.
That’s a secret.
Where do you go to splurge on a meal?
I cannot stand fussy expensive food.
Orange - a furniture store on Beverly and Crescent Heights. The last time I walked by they had the most incredible set of vintage Gucci leather desk supplies that probably cost more than a mid-size sedan.
LA’s best kept secret?
Gemini G.E.L., a print studio where Ed Ruscha, John Baldessari, etc. still make work.
If you could change one thing about LA, what would it be?
I would make it driving distance from New York.
How do you see the future of Band of Outsiders?
Total world domination.
~Alisa Gould-Simon
