Denim Designer Simon Miller Reshaping Californian Brand

Wellington-born designer Simon Miller, men’s creative director at premium denim brand Citizens of Humanity in Los Angeles, talks to Monocle about his new role and plans for the label’s future.

“I’ve been living my life surrounded by and shepherded by jeans so [the appointment is] the highest honour of my life,” Miller says. “Citizens of Humanity is the most amazing company to be part of: every facet is built to ensure creativity is maximised and that the product is made to the highest standard.

“I’m inspired constantly by vintage products and vintage denim. I collect vintage Japanese garments and fabrics, Navajo rugs and artworks from around the world. These things combine and find their way into my collections.

“We have already begun reshaping the men’s brand. The aim was to make the line more modern and veer away from the usual California vibe. We have cleaned up the collection, streamlined the design details and added slimmer silhouettes as well as raw categories.”

Miller owned retail shop Fabric in Auckland. He moved to Los Angeles in 2006.

Original article by Monocle, September 2014.