BAND OF OUTSIDERS IN DNR

"For a designer whose work is so classic in style, Band of Outsiders' Scott Sternberg sure knows how to create intrigue. The prohibitively tiny fits and the difficulty of finding the label (except at Barneys New York) [ed. note: and at Blackbird, natch] seem shrewdly calculated to drive fashionistas wild with dersire.

Sternberg's past as a Hollywood agent surely honed his idea-packaging skills. But clearly he has something more-an imminently appealing product. It starts with classic, boyish American sportswear. Sternberg said he mines his persona nostalgia for inspiration.

"I just think back to my grandfather, for example, the way he dressed in the '50s and '60s," he said.

Sternberg started Band of Outsiders in fall 2004, just with shirts and ties. Now suits are a "huge" chunk of the business, he said. Suits are made in Brooklyn, shirts in Los Angeles and ties in Manhattan-all by hand.

"I try to inject as much soul and life into a garment as possible. On a designer floor there is so much slickness, but that's not me. I'm preppie, relaxed. My idea of luxury is a trench that's been washed 10 times; it's not putting a fur trim on it. It's not overt luxury. It's just the tiny details," he said.

Sternberg is preparing to launch a collaboration with Sperry Top-Sider, which will be and "inside out" version of the classic boat shoe. Sperry will sponsor a party at the start of New York Fashion Week to present the shoe and Band of Outsiders' spring collection, which will include Sternberg's first full line of women's wear in addition to men's.

The label is expanding but Sternberg insisted, "I'm not about big. I'm about laser focus."

The reward for Focus? Band of Outsiders has just been nominated for a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award." (DNR)