We sat down with Joel, the mind behind the York Hill brand. As a testament to the resilience and self-expression of the African American community, York Hill's designs have garnered attention for their ability to empower wearers and celebrate rich histories. Through this interview, we delve into the brand's mission, design inspirations, and its role in shaping the future of bespoke tailoring, offering a glimpse into the powerful narratives woven into every stitch.
You describe your pieces as being a testament to the power of self-reflection and self-expression. How do you want your clients to feel when they put on some of your pieces? What message do you want your pieces to embody?
When our clients wear our pieces, I want them to feel not just confident, but also empowered and unapologetically authentic. I feel like clothing is an extension of one's identity. With that clothing, you can communicate who you are to the world. I want our clients to embody a message of individuality whether they're stepping into a boardroom or attending a celebration. My main mission is that they feel that each piece enhances their narrative and serves as a canvas for self-discovery.
So, York Hill is named after the community that used to be in Central Park. The garments pay tribute to the resilience of the African American spirit. How does the history of York Hill inspire the materials, the fabrics, and the techniques that you use for your designs?
York Hill was a thriving community in New York, also synonymous with Seneca Village, a predominantly African American, thriving community out there in New York. Unfortunately, it was flooded to create a reservoir, and that, in effect, displaced many families. So what we're doing here at York Hill is trying to keep that legacy living. We want to honor the traditions of our forebears while also pushing the boundaries of what's possible in tailoring. I think if we continue to pay tribute and resilience to the African American spirit that once resided in that place, we'll be doing ourselves justice and making it known to others that our history is moving into the very fabric of our designs. Every stitch, pattern, and material that we choose, we pay homage to those stories of perseverance and creativity that define our heritage. We try to look for a creative way to intertwine both of those things to produce great quality garments.
How do you ensure that your designs can reach the global audience while also staying true to the roots and the history and everything?
I think the brand speaks to both the rich cultural history and the modern-day diversity. We actively seek inspiration from different cultures. So yes, the main mission and the main core focus here is within the African American community that was displaced in York Hill. But that's not the only community we're after. We aim to unite the world with different cultures. We want to facilitate and create a platform where different cultures can gain inspiration and create whatever it is that they're after. We believe everyone is together. We're all one race. We're all a human race, so we collect. Collaborating with artisans from different backgrounds it allows us to incorporate those diverse techniques and motifs into our pieces. The collaborative approach creates garments that are appealing yet rich in cultural significance. I think by celebrating the interconnectedness of the global community, we probably invite a dialogue that transcends borders while also honoring the unique narratives that shape our identity. In this coming year, our main focus is to forge new collaborations and partnerships in other domains. We're a fashion retailer, but we're seeking to partner and collaborate with different industries, such as the automotive industry, and the tech industry.
What has been the most rewarding experience in working with clients, and how do their stories and feedback shape the direction of the brand?
I think that's what keeps us going. I think the most rewarding experience while we're working with clients is the opportunity to hear their stories and witness how the garments that we create transform their narrative. York Hill pieces make them feel confident at pivotal moments in their lives, whether it be weddings, graduations, or career milestones. That enforces our mission. I think their feedback is invaluable. It shapes not only our designs but our overall vision. I think every story enriches our creative process and I often find myself inspired by those journeys that they decide to vocalize. I think the connection makes the work that we do meaningful and fulfilling. Sometimes it can get difficult and it's easy to lose motivation. Motivation in this industry sometimes business can be slow but when clients express their satisfaction, it brings us back into the fold and reminds us why we must keep creating and producing high-quality garments.
What role do you see York Hill playing in shaping the future of bespoke tailoring, particularly within the African American?
I see us playing a pivotal role in shifting tradition and innovation within the African community, and not only that, within the industry at large. We aim to really define what bespoke means in today's context. I think we can do that by infusing our designs with cultural significance and promoting different sustainable practice practices. We want to empower the next generation of designers and consumers by fostering a culture of appreciation for craftsmanship and individuality. I also think we can shift the industry by looking at different ways to integrate technology. We're looking at different ways we can incorporate technology to make the process more streamlined for our clients, while also maintaining the integrity of who we are as a brand and what we stand for.
You can stay up to date with all that York Hill is doing here.