To protect and defend: one-on-one with Jerry Kaye, creative director of Perry Ellis

The first Perry Ellis clothing I bought was a sweater and a button-down dress shirt back in 1983--and I never heard the end of it, both from my father, who was pissed I'd spent that much, and from some very cute girls in high school, who said I looked fine. Since then, I've always considered P.E. to be good, solid clothing that would help get me the attention I wanted. That's why I had to get in touch with Jerry Kaye, the man behind the brand, to find out what exactly goes through his head when he designs--no, protects and defends--the look of the American man.

NB: How'd you get started designing?

JK: I played sports all my life while living in the Midwest. I was even good enough to get recruited as a running back for college. But I also drew and sketched a lot back then. And that's what I decided to focus my efforts on.

How did sketching people and buildings lead to clothing design?

Luck. I didn't know anything about "fashion" or New York--until I got here. I packed my bags and moved to the city without a plan and without knowing anyone. After studying design and making it to Seventh Avenue, I'd learned what I wanted: to make clothing a guy would wear that was comfortable and cool enough to get him noticed.

So you want the guy who wears your clothes to feel like an individual?

Yes. My designs are meant to generate confidence. It's clothing for guys' guys--men who aren't afraid to express themselves. I want American men to Look good and feel good, no matter what.

That's the same thing we aim for with Men's Fitness--achieving the best in all areas of your life.

Exactly. Men today are active. We take care of ourselves, watch what we eat, and are conscious about our health, lf you take pride in your body, you develop confidence, and you want to make sure that other people also take notice.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
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