Outlaws of the Border

Photographs: (portrait) David Rosenzweig; (stills) Virginia Rollison

What it is
This brand (launched last fall) comprises a fashion label for men and women, fine art objects and collages, and even a record label boasting an eclectic roster of musicians. The name comes from an old book about Jesse James’s novel, The Outlaws of the Border.

Who they are
After studying sculpture at the School of Visual Arts, Lindsay Jones collaborated with a friend on a small line of one-of-a-kind clothing pieces. A second collaboration, followed by more-formal training in fashion design at the Art Institute of New York, led to an internship at Miguel Adrover, stints at Zac Posen and Judy Rosen, and projects for Marc Jacobs. Jones and Frenchman Gautier Pellegrin (now her husband) spent two years sending transatlantic letters, e-mails and artworks back and forth, before they moved into a Brooklyn loft in 2007 and began working side by side. “It’s a very organic process,” says Pellegrin of the way they work together.

What they make
Their debut spring/summer clothing collection, “Evol Dog by Outlaws of the Border,” consists of 11 dapper pieces harkening back to the jazz era, but constructed with a minimalist edge. “It’s a collection for the modern dandy,” says Jones, who notes that many pieces are unisex. The designer played with shape by contrasting fitted double-breasted vests and linen Bermuda shorts with oversized, loosely draped dresses inspired by boat sails catching the wind. “I envisioned a really beautiful couple on a sailboat,” she adds.

What’s next
The fall collection takes on a much darker sensibility, with elegant skirts and dresses, as well as exaggerated, full-bodied knits mostly in black and deep navy. “My influences are still very sculptural. There’s a strong emphasis on lines and silhouettes,” Jones explains. With their music label, she and Pellegrin also plan to release albums to accompany each new season’s collection.

Where to find it
In God We Trust (265 Lafayette St at Prince St; 212-966-9010, ingodwetrustnyc.com)
Collective Hardware (169 Bowery between Delancey and Broome Sts, 212-334-1144)

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