Andrew Spade's Definition of Great Design

I think you can define it different ways. I mean one way to define it is if it works. Like a great
pair of jeans, it works and it functions. And it has a functional part to it depending on what it’s
designed for. And these were designed for that purpose, and I think that has succeeded. If it’s for,
I guess, show you know, to have people talk about it, and then I think it’s successful if it
generates that. I mean for me, I mean I like equally the dime store flip flop that costs $2.00 as
good as any one designed by a European designer. I think a flip flop should just be that. And I
think that a jean should be that. I don’t think it needs ornamentation. I think its original purpose
was to last a long time, and to get better with age, and to do that. It doesn’t need any more.

Some people think it looks better when you add things to it and play with it, which is fine. But I
think they should be left alone. But I also love when someone changes how clothing functions.
For example, when people at NASA would say, “I want to make sure that I can breathe in this
shirt when I’m in 140 degree weather” Those kinds of things really excite me. Or just like simple
shirts that you can play tennis centers, simple things that really work. I’ve never been inspired by
the flamboyance of fashion, although I think it’s really interesting and I appreciate it. I love
seeing David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. I love all those moments. The costumes that Mick Jagger
wears are amazing. I mean if you go back and look at these costumers, they’re incredible. And I
have to say I really appreciate them. And they do look great on a lot of people. And I think that’s
all fashion. I think all of it is fashion. And that’s what I see.