Vintage advantage
21/11/2023
With music as a backdrop, Left Hand Twill’s Solomon Russell finds inspiration in the classics, curating his archives and catching up on denim’s latest developments.
6.30amI’m a creature of habit so I tend to wake up around the same time. I put my coffee on and scroll social media. It’s kind of a brain-dead way to get my day started but I think more of us are in that boat than not.
7.30am
I hop in the shower, afterwards I do my daily stretching routine. The older I get the more important that has become; I can’t afford to be stiff as a board. I check my email, have a Zoom call on occasion. I like to read what's going on within the industry. There’s always something new and cutting edge to read about and Inside Denim keeps me updated. LinkedIn is a reliable resource but if I have a deep question, I’ll reach out to industry friends, who are always happy to help.
8.00am
I put some music on, typically music with no lyrics. I can get carried away and tend to sing or rap along to whatever I'm listening to. I go over some of my conceptual designs, add to my mood board and try to bring some inspiration in for new design ideas. Creatively, I work best in the morning. Back when L.H.T. was working with Soorty on our “Own Your Denim” collaboration, most work was done in the morning and that worked out for me being in Colorado because of the time difference between Pakistan, Turkey and New York.
9.30am
I finally get around to eating breakfast. I typically keep it light and have yogurt, granola, fruit and a bagel. It sounds like a bad continental breakfast at a hotel but it works for me.
2.00pm
I head down to Circa Vintage, which is a shop located in Old Colorado City, where I have a few of my vintage items up for sale. I check my inventory, swap new pieces in and hang out for a couple of hours. Vintage denim has always been at the forefront for Left Hand Twill and serves as a daily source of inspiration. Being able to touch the fabric and see the fade patterns, the patina on the rivets and buttons not only helps create new looks for the design aspect of my business but also helps create stories around these new ideas.
6.30pm
I begin making dinner. I usually put more music on, right now Notes & Tones by DJ Muggs is my go-to album while cooking. My knives seem to be sharpest while listening to the sweet sounds of the Soul Assassins, I could filet a whole fish if the music is right.
8.00pm
By now I'm usually settled in for the night. On some occasions I might have a creative thought or idea that I'll work out but for the most part I try to turn my brain off. I’ll catch up on some shows, drink ginger tea, have a snack and chill out.
11.30pm
My eyes are heavy like 20oz denim, the yawning is continuous and my body knows it’s time for some sleep. My eyelids close only for me to dream about all the different washes, selvedges and the indigo that has brought us all here today.
Solomon Russell’s passion for denim, its history and culture is infectious. He started his business, Left Hand Twill, in 2014, selling carefully curated vintage items online and through hubs in Colorado and vintage markets around the US. He also designs limited edition denim ranges, teaming up with mills such as Bossa and Soorty.
Photo Credit: Left Hand Twill
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