Is studding the new bedazzling? An interview with STUDmuffin NYC

New York City downtown darling and boy-about-town Kyle Brincefield designs custom studded clothing, hats and accessories under the label name STUDmuffin NYC. Pieces from the range are eye-grabbing “up-cycled vintage wear”.

Each statement piece is one of a kind, lending the wearer the satisfaction of knowing that no one else is ever going to walk into the room with the same outfit (everyone’s worst nightmare avoided), whilst the unapologetically bold and brash designs in riotous colours deliver a visual impact that ensures the turning of heads. Brincefield’s designs are a bright breath of fresh air for the stylish night crawler who embraces his colourful side, rock ‘n’ rollers who revel in being the centre of attention and pretty much every East End boy and girl out there looking to make a statement.

Brincefield has dressed Jersey Shore’s notorious Snooki, participated in the Lady Gaga-curated Gaga’s Workshop at Barneys New York department store and is now proudly selling his pieces in that legendary New York bastion of all things underground and hip, Patricia Field (the store belonging to the super-stylist of the same name whose credits include Sex and the City, Ugly Betty and The Devil Wears Prada).

The Upcoming recently spoke with the designer about his line.

Tell me about the concept behind STUDmuffin NYC and your idea and vision.

My clothing explores the relationship between the 80s, New York City and the downtown art scene, re-interpreting a very modern-day “LOOK AT ME” vibe. New-age adornments are generated with the use of hand craftsmanship that you will see in the form of painting, studding and spiking. With endless ideas in my head and an over-embellished focus coming to view I’m left only with a sense of unreality and the chance of finding my own artist within it all.

Who do you cite as your influences and inspirations in your approach to design?

My influences are as diverse as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Stephen Sprouse. I also admire Andy Warhol of course, and all things Pop Art.

You have a very New York-centric ethic and sense of self and style. Where are you from originally and how did you get into fashion?

Ever since I was an early teenager, I have been fascinated with New York City and the fashion haven that existed outside Indiana – where I’m from.  What started out as mere contemplation rapidly became a reality I made at the first possible opportunity. I moved, and soon found myself pounding the streets of New York City, soaking up the untapped fashions of the nightlife.

Who do you envisage when you contemplate the STUDmuffin NYC wearer?

My consumer is fresh, urban, outrageous, over the top and most of all, ONE OF A KIND.

For more information on STUDmuffin NYC click here.

You can buy original pieces from STUDmuffin NYC on Etsy by clicking here.

Ian Michael Turner