LG: So, Will Lane is based in NYC, not Dallas. How did that inform the look and feel of the piece?
ES: Right, totally. The words "By Way Of Dallas" spoke to me because they're a visible and direct acknowledgement of where one comes from. To me, the person wearing the jacket was stating their identity loudly, clearly, and confidently. With any geographic identification, there are always mental & emotional associations with certain places -- this is especially true for NYC.
In my early vision, I knew I wanted to create something with that strong identity. When I specifically think about downtown culture, I think of graffiti and street art. I wanted to make something for the woman who embodies those non-conformist qualities. The collaboration uncovers the raw authenticity of NYC women embodying radical subcultures and differing perspectives. I also wanted to take something that seems classic, throwback, and from another era, and turn it on its head by adding atypical elements.