MEN’S FASHION
Thomas Blankenship of Rustix
BY SHARI TISDALE • PHOTOGRAPHY KORBEN T.
Authenticity immediately comes to mind upon meeting one
of America’s sought after designers Thomas Blakenship. The
coolest studio off the beaten path in his home town of Broken
Arrow, Oklahoma. Once you enter his studio, which also
includes a full service hair salon operated by his beautiful
wife Shelby – you are drawn in by their super chic rustic vibe.
Upon meeting Thomas you are taken in by his good looks,
charm and warm hospitality. I could instantly see how this
home town guy has what the industry terms the IT factor!
What is fascinating becoming a fashion designer was not in
the script. He said “ I moved to Hollywood and began acting
and was blessed to have a successful career for ten years. I
began designing as a hobby. I enjoyed creating clothing and
began working with leather. When my wife became pregnant.
I knew I would have to carry the diaper bag, and it would
have to be leather. I wasn’t sure of how I was going to make
it but I knew I wanted to do it by hand. That has always been
important to me, it’s my way of paying tribute doing it the old
American way.
Thomas said he was always intrigued by days gone by, where
you had the towns’ craftsman or cobbler. He said that is what
inspires him. I never wanted to just sit down to a sewing
machine and make a bag! I wanted to literally pick out my
hides and incorporate the actual branding into the design of
my bags. The authenticity of every item I make is the most
important thing to me.
Just like a true master craftsman, every product in his studio
is handmade. The detail is impeccable and you will not find
duplications. He currently has two labels Rustix USA, where
you will find his signature hat line that began while living
in southern California, and Blakenship Design Studio houses
all of his leather good products. He started designing hats
because he loved the character and the feel of old hats. So he
said he began messing around designing hats and distressing
them to give a new hat the look and feel like it was well worn.
My designs reflect the character of the working man. As a
kid growing up it was a badge of honor to see the results of
what hard work looks like. He said that has always been what
has inspired his designs. I was into distress before it became
a popular. We represent a certain lifestyle, not a trend.
Thomas shared “My designs have a story and when I see
someone wearing one of my hats I immediately recall when I
designed it.” Now his hats are worn by some of the hottest
celebrities in the industry such as Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Tyler Farr and Blake Shelton just to name a few. He said “it’s
pretty crazy to see people you grew up idolizing wearing
something you made. I started doing this as a hobby and
never dreamt it would become my career.”
When asked how did his hats take off? He said, “I was still
living in California and never planned on selling them. One
of my buddies suggested that I take my hats into Lisa Kline
one of the hottest mens stores in Beverly Hills.” So he wore
it and went into her store and her brother Jeff asked where
did he get that hat? My friend Tommy calls me and tells me
that Lisa wanted to meet me. I was terrified and had no idea
what to say are how to market them. I was blown away by
the reaction. She took me under her wing, set the price and
it went from there.
RUNWAY TULSA SPECIAL EDITION
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