Design has always inspired us, ever since we first opened our doors in Pike Place Market 40 years ago. Since then, our coffee and our culture have progressed with the times, and our evolved Siren has made its way into neighborhoods all across the world – making its most recent design debut this year.
As a frequent collaborator with the design and artist community, we are proud to team up with and contribute to the CFDA/VOGUE FASHION FUND (CVFF), an esteemed organization that gives annual grants that provide resources to support and encourage the goals of emerging American fashion designers. Alongside the CVFF, we were thrilled to invite the past three winners, Alexander Wang (2008), Sophie Theallet (2009) and Billy Reid (2010) to create signature, limited-edition designer T-shirts inspired by Starbucks and their personal experience with our brand and our coffee over the years.
We couldn’t be more excited to share this experience, the story, the video and the collection with you – our biggest fans. As we continue to evolve, we believe there’s a great opportunity to share premium experiences of our brand by celebrating design, fashion and oth
er arts.
Another thing we’re excited about: We’re honored to team up with Nordstrom, also with original Seattle roots, to carry our collection in designer sections of select stores across the country gracing windows and displays. We highly encourage you to check them out!
I was fortunate to have met all of our designers, and created a behind-the-scenes design inspiration video so you can get an inside look at these favorite American designers, their work spaces, their personal journeys and philosophies in fashion – and just as important, their personal inspiration by Starbucks.
We gave our designers an open canvas, and the collection came out to be as beautiful as anyone would expect. What was most unique was how each designer’s character revealed itself.
Alexander Wang, globally known for his casual, downbeat clothes, affecting the “M.O.D.,” or model off-duty look, told us he wanted people to have fun with the design, and in a light-hearted way designed a signature super soft T-shirt with a spilled coffee impression.
Sophie Theallet, a graceful and feminine American designer, draws her inspiration from her deep French roots. Educated in Paris at Studio Berçot, she worked for Jean Paul Gaultier and Azzedine Alaïa. She is a world traveler, and frequents Starbucks wherever she goes – a sentiment captured in her beautifully-imagined design. Highly refined style, femininity and strength are her defining characteristics, in her clothing and her nature.
Billy Reid, a southern gentleman in his core, has a style inspired by his southern roots and infused with a unique and covetable urban feel. Both the women’s and men’s shirt reflect a relaxed, broken-in feel, reveal our star pattern on the reversible side. The design is grounded in heritage as he celebrates our 40th anniversary.
We are proud to carry these very limited edition T-shirts on our newly-designed StarbucksStore.com and at select Nordstrom retail locations, and we’re certain they will go very quickly. We are excited that you’ll own a very rare piece of Starbucks with us!