Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1354780
The COMPLICATED LIFE of F.E. CASTLEBERRY In the Wes Anderson-inspired spirit of this issue, we rang Mr. F.E. Castleberry at his NYC atelier — or Fred, as he's known, a cerebral artist whose predilection is designing extraordinary made-to-measure menswear, Skull and Keys Honor Society slippers, and trinkets such as vintage hotel ashtrays lifted from well-known drinkeries, monogrammed vintage briefcases, and cashmere burglar caps. It's "the blurred line between upper-class opulence and downtown irreverence," Castleberry notes. F.E Castleberry is the story of a Texas kid who dreams big … while visualizing movie sets. He improbably grew up in a small town outside Fort Worth, and more improbably graduated from Texas A&M. Heavily influenced by grandparents — one an artist and one a tailor — he quickly sped through joyless work in banking to immerse himself in photography, which led to his "Unabashedly Prep" blog, which in turn led to a call from the Ralph Lauren company that would change his life, setting the stage for F.E. Castleberry, the brand. Inspired by Björn Borg, David Hockney, Truman Capote, William F. Buckley Jr., Gerald Murphy, and Fila, here is Frederick Egan Castleberry, in his own words. INTERVIEW BY STEVEN HEMPEL. PHOTOGRAPHY FRED CASTLEBERRY. Left: Fred Castleberry: Western shirt $425, chalk-stripe flannel trouser $850, aviators $555, velvet smoking slippers $550. Jonah: red cashmere burglar cap $245, shirt $350, jacquard V-neck vest $590, houndstooth flannel trouser $1,150, and velvet mule $450. Harrison: Oxford shirt, jacquard vest $590, tweed jacket $1,550, wool trouser $790, and penny creepers $550. All F.E. Castleberry, NYC, fecastleberry.com. 50