AREA was founded in 2014 by the dynamic duo, Piotrek Panszczyk and Beckett Fogg, in the bustling and creative heart of downtown New York City. The brand has rapidly cultivated a cult following, appealing to those who appreciate a modern yet timeless sense of beauty and glamour.
The origins of AREA's founders are as diverse as their designs. Beckett Fogg hails from Lexington, Kentucky, while Piotrek Panszczyk was born in Poland and raised in Holland. Their paths converged at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where they both pursued Masters degrees in Fashion Design and Society.
Their unique skills and backgrounds beautifully complemented each other—Panszczyk brought experience from working at Chloé in Paris, and Fogg contributed insight from her time at Calvin Klein in New York.
Their collaborative journey has been one of constant evolution and innovation. They began by creating embossed cotton and lamé T-shirts which quickly garnered attention at Opening Ceremony, a store located just across the street from their studio.
Frequent Questions about AREA
- Who founded AREA?
- AREA was founded in 2014 by designers Piotrek Panszczyk and Beckett Fogg. The duo met while pursuing their master’s degrees in Fashion Design and Society at Parsons School of Design in New York City.
- What is AREA known for?
- AREA is celebrated for its quality craftsmanship, textile development, and innovative embellishments. Its designs are particularly renowned for the use of crystals and other intricate details that bring a modern and glamorous flair to their creations.
- Where is AREA based?
- AREA’s studio is located in downtown New York City, fostering a creative environment that mirrors the energy and vibrancy of their designs.
- What are some notable moments for AREA?
- AREA has had several notable moments, including when Simone Biles wore a Swarovski crystal-covered dress by AREA at the 2021 Met Gala for the opening of "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion." Their early embossed cotton and lamé T-shirts were also a hit at Opening Ceremony in 2014, setting the stage for their rising fame.
- How does AREA approach fashion design?
- AREA’s design philosophy revolves around innovation and pushing boundaries. Starting with textiles, the founders experiment with materials to create unique patterns and effects. For instance, Panszczyk worked on shaving away materials while Fogg focused on embossing them, resulting in unique textures and designs.
For further insights into the fascinating journey of AREA, you can visit their official website and follow their latest collections and stories.
