Studio Visit: FEIT

When I discovered FEIT several years back, I was instantly and irrevocably hooked. A neo-luxury footwear and accessories brand characterized by a minimal, modern aesthetic, exceptional materials and classic handmade construction, FEIT strikes that beautiful balance of all at once forward thinking and timeless. Founded in 2005 by Australian brothers Tull and Josh Price, the NYC-based brand has a gorgeous range of accessories from wallets to watches to belts, but it’s their footwear that stole my heart, and that I’m thrilled to carry in my stores. One of my very favorites: their iconic Hand Sewn Slipper, now available in autumn-perfect leather colorways of black, burgundy, and cuoio.

Tull was kind enough to welcome us into their NYC studio and share a bit about FEIT, their creative space, and what it is that makes their products so special. I hope you enjoy this look inside. XXJKE

R+T: Tell us a bit about how FEIT came to be…

In the mid 90’s I was excited by the idea of globalization and creating a brand, product that could speak the same language to 20-somethings all over the world. That ended with me mass producing products and inevitably led to my understanding of its shortcomings. Feit was a reaction: a desire to return to product and creating something special, unique and uncompromised.

R+T: Your chic, classic and flawlessly constructed footwear and accessories are some of our very favorites… Can you share a bit about your aesthetic, materials and techniques?

The brand’s design aesthetic has evolved naturally. FEIT is driven by pushing construction, heavy research into the best quality biological materials, the choice of craftsmen, and the requirements of the end user. Due to the above we usually find ourselves with a clean rich minimal aesthetic with an element of craft underpinning it.

FEIT products are hand made by the world’s finest contemporary craftsmen using natural materials from the highest quality suppliers. No harmful chemicals are used in the FEIT production process and all footwear is hand lasted, hand sewn, and produced in limited volumes.

R+T: Where do you look for inspiration?

We look at materials and construction as well as socioeconomic things that are occurring, the street, etc.

R+T: Perhaps our favorites: your Hand Sewn Slippers and Sandals… Could you pick a favorite from your collections?

For Spring, it’s probably the slipper for women and the biotrainer for men.
For Fall, it’s the Unlined and Wool Hikers for both.

R+T: What’s new and next for FEIT?

A third FEIT store, location to be disclosed in the near future. I am also always looking for new luxurious or innovative materials and production methods to inspire our designs.

R+T: What is the most rewarding part of your work?

Striving to build unique and beautiful products with talented and creative individuals, seeing them in environments which suit them, and hearing that they found a good and proper home.

THE STUDIO

R+T: Tell us about your studio space… How did you find it? What drew you to it? And what impact does it have on your work?

Believe it or not, it was one of the cheapest spaces in New York City. It happened to be in the same building where we shoot all of our photography, and it has great natural light and windows along the side of the office. When we inherited it, it wasn’t quite as pretty, but we painted and built everything in white. Now it feels fresh, open, and spacious. Fresh as in “new” or “pure”, not as in “hip”.

R+T: How would you describe the atmosphere in your studio?

Fresh as in “hip”! No, not at all, just kidding. I don’t get to spend enough time there, but I’m told that it feels calm most of the time. However, since we are a close-knit family, there are specific points when this can really sway.

R+T: Tell us about a typical day in the studio…

I believe people arrive at 9 and start working. Some mornings, I may get in at 8 or 9 (or if I’ve been traveling, 6:30 AM) but most of the time I’m popping in and out throughout the day. While I’m there, I’m usually getting caught up on all things not design. Occasionally I actually do get a chance to sit at my desk and design, however usually this take place in my head, at the maker’s, but most often on random pieces of paper throughout my journey.

R+T: Top five workspace musts?

1. If possible, open and spacious
2. Again, if possible, natural light
3. You’re in real trouble if not possible: good people
4. Desk
5. Mac computer

Photos: Sarah Elliott