THE BRAND

Darte is about storytelling. Our passion for history, vintage clothing and detailed garment research plays a very important role in how we design each garment. We work from the source.  Studying pivotal moments in history that had great influence on innovation, function, and style. Then take these lessons and apply them to our modern craft, thus embedding an authentic look and feel. Each collection will have a specific theme of inspiration, event in time, or common materiality that binds them together. 

Volume I follows the journey of a serviceman based in the pacific theatre in WW2, and his integration back into civilian life post war. From wartime utility, durability, and function to the return home with a taste of the world and seeking thrills, the collection reflects garments that this serviceman may have picked up along the way in his journey. 

Volume II looks to the sun soaked beaches of southern California and the coastal landscapes of the Hawaiian isles. This concise collection references surf culture and the optimistic lifestyle of the 50’s and 60’s. Pulling from rare originals in the Darte archive, we have hand-drawn detailed and authentic fabric prints, manifested into beautiful rayon shirting. This collection is inspired by the innate desire in all of us to seek out an undiscovered paradise.

Join us on our journey as we delve into the past, searching for what makes us who we are. Transforming the history and fabric of our society into something distinctive for today.

THE FOUNDERS

Darte is founded by Edward Stanford(left) and Michael Stampler(right). Garments are made in-house by the two of us, in our East London studio, as well as some production items made with small manufacturing partners.

Ed is a self-taught artist and illustrator. He has worked in the creative design industry for over 20 years as a professional architectural model-maker and freelance illustrator working alongside British menswear designer Nigel Cabourn. Ed has a keen eye for design aesthetic and detail, honed from restoring and repairing vintage garments. With a keen interest and passion for clothing, Ed has been collecting rare vintage military and workwear garments for around 15 years with a small and dedicated archive. This archive is used as the Darte design library for R&D inspiration.

Mike is a designer and craftsman originating from Pennsylvania USA. He is also self-taught like Ed. Mike has made a wide diversity of pieces spanning his 15+ year career. The focus of his work is predominantly vintage workwear and denim but professionally ran a business creating luxury furniture and leatherwork. Mike was one of a small handful of Americans left still making jeans professionally by hand before moving to London. He has made thousands of garments. His expertise in construction and execution is unrivaled.