For a long time the TWOTHIRDS crew have been huge admirers of the man behind STAN Clothing, Tristan Detwiler. The LA-based fashion designer brings antique deadstock fabrics to life unlike anyone else, turning them into stunning one-of-a-kind pieces. You can understand then how elated we were when he agreed to collaborate with us, to create limited edition garments that embody everything TWOTHIRDS and STAN represent. We caught up with the man himself to talk all things life, fashion, and ocean.
1. How did your fashion journey begin?
I’ve always been immersed in craftsmanship, starting with molding waxes in my mom's jewelry studio and woodworking with my dad. Initially, I pursued engineering at the University of Southern California, but my passion for tactile design led me to switch to the design school.
There, I discovered a passion for the stories inherent in old textiles. In 2019, for a school project, I created my first chore jacket from a 19th-century quilt passed down from my great-great-grandmother. Eight months later, using my mom's old Singer sewing machine, I crafted 18 quilt jackets and showcased them at New York Fashion Week.
My inspiration comes from the laid-back allure of the Southern California beach lifestyle. I travel globally to find story-rich antique textiles, bringing them back to my Los Angeles atelier to transform these forgotten pieces into fashion through the lens of the Southern California surfer, intertwining history with contemporary design.
2. What can you tell us about the jackets you’ve made for the collaboration with TWOTHIRDS?
For our collaboration with TWOTHIRDS, I handcrafted six jackets from 18th-century French grain sacks. These linen sacks are ideal for rugged chore-style surf jackets. Each sack’s unique stripes identify different family farms and have aged with dirt stains and hand-mended patches over decades. The natural, earthy palette of these grain bags blends seamlessly with the coastal lifestyle and utility of a surfer.
“I have no interest in being part of the fast fashion cycle or the commercial models that promote such transient consumption.”
3. Why did you choose to collaborate with TWOTHIRDS?
When I met Lutz (TWOTHIRDS Founder & CEO), we felt an immediate kinship over our shared dedication to the well-being of the Earth. We both find peace and inspiration from being in the water. Our collaboration stems from a mutual desire to promote these values within an industry often at odds with ecological responsibility.
What excites me most about this partnership is our collective ability to convey a meaningful message through our work. By combining our distinct yet aligned visions, we aim to showcase that fashion can uphold values of sustainability and authenticity, creating pieces that tell compelling stories and resonate deeply with those who value our planet.
4. Noah Kahan has been rocking your jackets a lot. How did that come about? What’s your favourite song of his? We love Northern Attitude!
Noah Kahan's support for my brand has been incredible. I've admired his music for a while, and when he reached out for custom pieces, it felt serendipitous. He’s worn many of my jackets on tour, reflecting his grounded and earthy spirit.
I recently crafted a jacket for him from a 19th-century New England quilt, signed by over 40 family members across Maine and Vermont, which held special meaning for him. My favorite song of his is “Maine,” which I first heard on a road trip across Maine while sourcing old textiles. It perfectly captures the essence of that area.
5. Your mum occasionally models some of your jackets. Do you have plans to make more womenswear in the future?
“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be introducing more womenswear soon, starting with a special Christmas capsule collaboration…”
My mom has been my biggest supporter since day one. Apart from a gown I made for my winter 2022 collection, she’s the only woman I’ve created specifically feminine styles for. While my designs are often genderless – I don’t want to subjugate a one of a kind textile into a gender category – many of the textiles I curate lend themselves beautifully to feminine styles. I’m excited to announce that I’ll be introducing more womenswear soon, starting with a special Christmas capsule collaboration (**Watch this space!**).
6. Your Made-to-Order system works very similarly to our PRÉ-COMMANDE system. What are the challenges you face in running the system?
Our Made-to-Order system embodies our commitment to sustainable practices by minimizing waste. Each textile I use is unique, making it most practical to offer custom styles in individual sizes. Our customers understand that they are receiving a very special piece made just for them, which can never be duplicated. Therefore, waiting a few months is not an issue.
Although this model has scalability limits, I prefer producing slow, special pieces that are guaranteed to be cherished over mass-produced, impulsive purchases. I have no interest in being part of the fast fashion cycle or commercial models that promote such transient consumption.
7. What’s the oldest fabric you’ve ever worked with?
I recently crafted a jacket from 17th-century Ottoman Empire embroidery. These textiles ceased production after the empire's fall, making them irreplaceable historical artifacts. This piece is now proudly worn by a customer as a token of history, preserving a true timestamp.
8. What does the ocean mean to you?
Growing up in San Diego, the ocean has always been a central part of my life, with some of my earliest memories being pushed into waves at Cardiff Reef by my dad. The ocean has kept me grounded through life’s fluctuations.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed or landlocked, returning to the ocean provides an essential solace. It’s the one true place where the presence of Mother Earth completely engulfs you, allowing you to surrender to her control. In LA, my favorite surf spot is Leo Carrillo, where the tranquility of the natural landscape offers a perfect retreat.
