Words by Joseph Furness

Sean Brown is a businessman, but not the preppy, pinstripe, Pret filter coffee kind. He wears velour tracksuits to his aesthetically-pleasing office-cum-studio where he creates Basquait-inspired rugs one day and lyric-adorned tote bags the next. He seeks inspiration from online media platforms and yesteryear issues of hip-hop magazines (The Source and Vibe, to name two). He habitually utters "facts" to agree with opinions and "fire" to approve of ideas. In sum, he's not a regular businessman – he's a cool one. 

Whilst speaking with the Canadian multi-hyphenate, it quickly becomes apparent that he owes his success to his inherent air of nonchalance – his demeanour is just as refreshing as the lake breeze in his hometown of Toronto. Perhaps his calm and approachable attitude stems from a determination to stay grounded, or maybe he's oblivious to the extent of his impact. Either way, his ability to remain poised as he shapes the future of design is nothing short of inspirational.

In addition to catalysing the Y2K resurgence, working alongside the likes of Bieber and Ceaser (Justin and Daniel, respectively) and releasing a whole host of hype-worthy goods on Curves, his interactive website, the stalwart entrepreneur found time this year to join forces with Seventh. Aptly, we’ve christened the collaboration Sean’s Seventh, and it’s every bit as covetable as everything else the modern-day Midas touches. Learn more about Sean Brown and his take on the Seventh V2 Tracksuit below.

How would you describe your style?

My style bounces between points in time: the 1970s-1980s, the 90s-00s (the NYC rap scene, in particular) and the super simplistic future. Honestly, it depends on how I feel, where I’m at and what I’ve been listening to. I go through different phases. 

Do you allow your style to evolve?

I believe that people should allow their style to evolve as I’m big on individuality and dressing in accordance with how you feel in the moment. Trends become complicated and expensive, so it’s necessary to dress for yourself and not for other people. With comfort comes confidence. 

It’s also important that I know that some pieces aren't for me, no matter how much I appreciate them. Rick Owen Geobaskets are a great example – I wouldn’t wear them, but I love how they look on other people’s feet. Ultimately, I know what I like, so I’m never going to try and do something that’s not me.

Who are your style influences?

• Eddie Vedder: I love the way Eddie Vedder – lead singer of grunge band Pearl Jam – would dress when he was young. For example, he would wear cut-off denim shorts with Jordan 6s. His style was so fire.
  
  
• Fabolous: I enjoy Fabolous' early 00s style. As I previously mentioned, I still pick up cues from that point in time.
  
  
• Miles Davis: I think Miles Davis was so fly. He's my dapper style inspiration.
  
  
• Bianca Jagger: Although you won't catch me wearing a sequined dress whilst riding a white horse, I would say Bianca Jagger represents pure elegance. You know she always looks glam, even when she goes to the grocery store, and I'm a true believer in always dressing well as you never know who you’re going to see or when you’re going to need to explain yourself. She taught me to always look the part.
  
  
• Cher: Like Bianca Jagger, you know she always looks elegant. She has an unwavering dedication to glamour. 

Where did the ‘by Sean Brown’ handle come from?

When I was younger, I would sketch a lot and leave my work laying around the house. One day, my dad informed me of the importance of signing your art. He would say, “You can’t leave your artwork unsigned”. This is when I first assumed the ‘by Sean Brown’ identity that followed me into my adulthood.

When it comes to Curves by Sean Brown, I’m actually trying to drop my name from the brand. Having your name attached to everything is a double-edged sword. For instance, I feel like ‘Polo’ has broader appeal than ‘Polo by Ralph Lauren’. Sometimes, a name can limit a brand.

What is your greatest achievement?

Damn. I don’t think I’ve experienced my greatest achievement yet, even though a lot of cool s*** has happened to me. I would say my greatest achievement is a work in progress.

Who is the most creative person you've ever met? Did you take any words of advice from them?

I recently met writer, musician and composer James Fauntleroy. He’s a unicorn. He’s one of my favourite living artists — I love that he’s super creative. 

When I spoke with James, he made some important points about research. Essentially, he said that people don’t study enough considering the access we have to information in today’s world. He’s a person who’s excellent at what he does, and his point is that most people don’t care to work hard to get better at the thing they’re good at. I get it as I admire people who master their artistic ability – people like Wes Anderson.

Where do you seek inspiration for your aesthetic? 

Both digital and tangible references inspire me: I stay collecting magazines as I love flicking through history, and I seek inspiration on Pinterest and Tumblr. My aesthetic is a mix between IRL and URL.

What Seventh pieces are you looking forward to incorporating into your wardrobe in 2022?

I want the trucker trousers – they’re hard. I also can’t wait for the Seventh slides to be released.

Speaking of 2022, what can we expect to see you working on next year?

I plan to work on some more furniture, get back into fashion and then jump into the Metaverse. Oh, and I’m also starting a magazine. 

Sunday, the seventh day of the week, is the day of rest – a day when members of our community wear their Seventh tracksuits to chill out. What does a perfect Sunday look like to you?

A perfect Sunday involves me kicking back, chilling out and discovering new things. No calls or mandatory trips – I like Sundays when I don’t have to do s***.

What songs are you listening to on this perfect Sunday?

Right now, I’m obsessed with sample mixes. From Timbaland to Just Blaze, I love discovering artists' use of samples because it reminds me of my design process – like how I’ve taken the blueprint of an African birthing chair and turned it into an everyday arch chair. 

Photos by Offset Collective and Luke Miller

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