We spent saturday morning with the man behind Lift Label, Bobby Bonaparte and we left feeling LIFTED. He is beacon of positivity and has been on a 12 year journey with his brand that with hard work has lead to some really amazing things. He graciously greeted us with ginger truffles made by his friend Melissa Berry of Missionary Chocolates when we arrived at his studio in the pearl.
Lift launched with their now iconic Pendleton pocket sweatshirts, but Bobby has now expanded the brand. He has mastered the kimono and is putting a fun Northwest spin on it by doing in Pendleton wool. It is clear in his work that he has a deep appreciation for Japanese design and quality. He is making amazingly sophisticated mens button up shirts with printed landscapes and doing an awesome spin on a classic linen button up - with a collar that he calls “the reverse triangle.” The button ups even have handmade clay buttons that he and his friend Lynzy Klein collaborated on.
He is also working on mens pants with a slightly dropped rise but in light wools that provide structure and integrity like nothing we have ever seen. He embraces change, promotes positivity, is proud of his evolution both personally and with his brand and has a mind that won’t stop turning out fantastic ideas - and frankly we hope he never does!
1. Why Portland? What was it that drew you to Portland or has kept you here?
Community.
2. What are your favorite things happening in Portland?
3. How did your brand start?
Positivity.
4. What has been your biggest obstacle?
Negativity.
5. Who is your style icon?
John Jay.
6. What are your favorite things about Portland?
People, food & nature.
7. What Tokyo neighborhood describes your style the best?
Nakameguro.
8. Your favorite thing about your workspace?
Change.