Feature Highlight + Interview: Guy Samuel
GR8T Magazine first met Paris Laundry during their Los Angeles debut at The Webster in March 2024. We recently revisited the brand, meeting with Guy Samuel, the founder and creative director of Paris Laundry at their flagship store nestled in Tribeca, Manhattan, NY.
Our fascination with Paris Laundry stems from its harmonious blend of grunge spirit with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. It presents a punk aesthetic softened by its refined, detailed construction – a reflection of its founder, Guy. Despite being a relatively young brand since its 2021 launch, Paris Laundry impresses with collections boasting 60-80 pieces, each telling a distinct story through its unique fabric and construction style.
Although Paris Laundry is the new kid on the block, it has quickly established itself as the brand to watch.
Instagram: Guy Samuel
Instagram: Paris Laundry
Official Website: Paris Laundry
Photos By Juri Watanabe
How did Paris Laundry begin?
Before venturing into fashion, I was in sales. But, entering the fashion industry meant committing fully—you can't half-heartedly expect to succeed--so I went all in. Fashion always intrigued me, starting with hat-making. My production eventually escalated to over 1500 hats a week, meaning I needed a dedicated team for design and embroidery that could match the production level. This expansion eventually led to the birth of Paris Laundry, which we launched in 2021.
What inspires your designs?
Each collection draws inspiration from the New York experience of the 90s—a time that was grittier and full of personality, aspects I find myself missing. The spirit of that era, particularly the "I don't give a f*ck" attitude, is encapsulated in our privacy masks integrated into hoodies. While New York has become safer, I want to revive the grunge spirit of my youth and pay homage to a significant social narrative.
How do you ensure each piece is unique, high-quality, and finely constructed?
The uniqueness and quality of our designs come from my personal experiences and the infusion of chaotic street energy into high-end streetwear. I personally visit showrooms to select fabrics from Italy, Japan, and beyond, never compromising on quality. The construction techniques I employ are self-taught. Though I've never visited Japan, my fascination with Japanese culture and garment-making significantly influences our embroidery and dye methods.
What prompted the focus on sustainability?
Growing up we couldn’t afford much, and my mother who was working in the garment district [here in New York] always recycled and remade clothing, making sure nothing was wasted. In today's world, where both fast fashion and luxury brands generate excessive waste, I wanted to challenge that norm. My brand uses high-quality materials to begin with, so why not fully utilize them?
What's next for Paris Laundry?
Our goal is to become the "IT" local New York brand.
