Get the Brand Breakdown with Leonard Frisbie Founder Matt Frisbie

Friends of the brand Mica Marder, Rylan Jacka and Santiago Campomar model the signature styles at the Frisbie House in Amagansett.

When it comes to laid-back luxury, no one does it better than Leonard Frisbie. We sat down with founder Matt Frisbie to talk brand identity, sustainability efforts and his latest expansion into the world of womenswear.

Can you walk us through Leonard Frisbie’s history in the East End? What was your initial inspiration behind the store?

I was lucky to be born and raised on the East End, so naturally, the brand’s roots run deep here. My summers spent on the beach in Amagansett helped to shape who I am, in addition to my fashion sense and personal style. I wanted to create a line that encompassed the neutral color palette of the East End surroundings in soft, high-quality materials—made in an ethical way. So many of my customers comment on their appreciation of the simplicity of the Leonard Frisbie design and color palette, which comes from my desire to create and offer wardrobe pieces that are truly essentials. I personally do not wear anything else anymore.

From collared shirts and polos to sweatshirts and henleys, Leonard Frisbie boasts a bevy of quality essentials for everyday wear

What can we find on the shelves in your East Hampton and Sag Harbor boutiques?

All of our products are designed with comfort and style in mind. What I think sets the collection apart is the focus on subtle, thoughtful details. We make everything out of the finest Peruvian cottons and the collection consists of button-up, button-down, quarter-button, rugby, short- and long-sleeved polos, and work shirts, [as well as] chinos that feel like sweatpants, drill pants with the perfect amount of stretch. The colors are often faded and garment dyed for a more lived-in look and feel. All of the clothing is prewashed and preshrunk for easy care, which also insures a higher-quality, longerlasting product. I also have the most amazing sales staff Friends of the brand Mica Marder, Rylan Jacka and Santiago Campomar model the signature styles at the Frisbie House in Amagansett. truly care about making people feel good in what they are buying.

How would you describe the brand’s overall style and aesthetic?

Two words that come to mind are understated and effortless—for the ultimate cool-guy vibes. Our clothes do the work even if it doesn’t come naturally.

the Mike button-up in Sand

Sustainability is such a huge part of your brand. What specific practices do you focus on?

Sustainability is of utmost importance to the brand and guides every decision from how and where the clothing is manufactured to how we treat our employees, suppliers and collaborators. I believe that treating everyone with integrity is the ultimate form of sustainability. We produce the line in small, family-owned factories is Peru, many of whom are fair trade certified. The carbon footprint is minimized by the fact that every step of the production process is performed within a small radius. The cotton we use is grown, milled, and then cut and sewn proudly in Lima, Peru, where the local communities can benefit from the business. We choose the most eco-friendly dye processes and work with dye houses that minimize water consumption and waste.

Let’s talk about the namesake. What inspired you to name the brand after your grandfather?

I wanted the name to be personally significant to me without using my own name. I wanted to keep it in the family and I felt that Leonard Frisbie just sounded right. I wanted to pay homage to the man who brought my family to the East End. I think that Leonard Frisbie encompasses the feeling of the brand better than Matthew Frisbie would have, and my grandfather definitely personified the fashionable, laid-back lifestyle.

Are there any new products you are excited about for summer?

I’m excited about this season’s knits both for men and women (oh, yeah, I opened a shop for women right next to the men’s shop in Sag Harbor!) The knits are all made from organic cottons and are so soft and comfortable. I feel like the knitwear really elevates the collection.

Leonard Frisbie’s East Hampton location

How has the Hamptons community supported you and the brand these past few years?

I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from the Hamptons community. People I’ve known my whole life are now my customers. I name all of the styles after friends, family and acquaintances, as well as good customers that have been an influence in some way or another in my life. For example, my brother is always borrowing blazers from me to wear to weddings so I named one after him!

Anything else you would like to buzz for the summer?

I am very excited for the women’s line. Women have always been essential for my business because they are often the shoppers for their men: husbands, fathers and sons... or are at least the catalyst for getting their men to shop, so it only makes sense to have something to offer them. Multiple locations, leonardfrisbie.com