Heritage and rugged functionality might be the first two things to pop into one’s head when thinking Penfield, the Massachusetts based brand recently celebrated it’s 32nd birthday and is still going strong. However, modern design and fashion-forwardness aren’t too distant seconds. Penfield’s known for its traditional roots, but lately, it’s been re-evaluating, tweaking, and modernizing it’s look to expand into new markets.

Ben Allnutt, Head of Design for Penfield, shares some words:

PSFK: Why did you start designing?

Ben Allnutt: I have always felt compelled to create. Whether it is new garment concepts or pieces of graphics work, I ultimately strive to create new and fresh products and designs that hopefully people will appreciate and maybe be inspired by.

How did you get involved with Capsule?

Brand Pimps told us they were involved and we knew it would be something special.

What’s the inspiration/idea/theme behind this season?

This season’s inspiration comes from Penfield’s deep routed heritage in the American outdoors. The collection is designed to be both functional and fashionable at the same time.

What would you be doing if you weren’t designing?

DJ’ing.

What do you usually turn to for inspiration?

At Penfield we are very lucky that its heritage has so much to raw from; the brand’s back catalogue of products alone has a world of traditional outerwear features and embellishments that still stand up today. Also coming from a very street led background I naturally look at what is happening in today’s streetwear market, this mix of Penfield’s traditional outwear roots and modern streetwear gives the brand very exciting direction.

What other designers/artists (of any kind) do you admire and why?

One of my main influences in my working life is graphics designer David Carson his work inspired me very much during my colleague years his work always pushes the boundaries. At the moment I very much admire the likes of Kim Jones, Marc Jacobs, and Tomoaki Nagao or Nigo of Bape.

What film/television has been inspiring you lately?

I have been watching a lot of documentary films recently. Also, I’m a big fan of British director Nick Love’s films. I try not to watch too much – terrestrial TV is a bit mind numbing.

How does music influence your design process?

Music is a very big part of the design process for me; my ipod is never far away!

What kind of music would you say “fits” your brand, if any?

The brand fits in to so many demographics I think it would be hard to say.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Postal Service!

Where’s the most exciting music coming from right now and why?

I would say out of the Europe in particularly the UK with the re-emergence of the indie scene, with bands like Bloc Party and The Klaxons.

What was the last show you went to?

Bread and Butter in Barcelona.

If you could go back in time five years and give yourself some advice, what would it be?

Enjoy the ride, its damn fast.