Interview with Keith Henry

This collaboration sees classic Henry's silhouettes—like the Swoop Jacket, Criterium Jacket, and '37 Patch Jeans—reimagined in seasonal fabrics supplied by Engineered Garments. Each piece in the capsule is a testament to both brands' shared philosophy: a deep reverence for 20th-century clothing and a commitment to unconventional methods, all tied together by a strong emphasis on utilitarianism.

Keith Henry's roots in Vegreville, Alberta, a small town best known for its giant egg sculpture, contrast sharply with his current standing as a respected figure in fashion. Growing up, his fascination with skateboarding led him on a creative path—learning to sew out of necessity and later capturing the world through a camera lens. Skate culture fueled his love for photography and nurtured his DIY ethos, shaping his approach to clothing design.

His transition from skate photographer to designer wasn't sudden but gradual. Years of experimentation with altering garments gave him a keen eye for fit and form, eventually solidifying his design ethos: function first, but never at the expense of individuality. His hands-on approach, whether in skateboarding or fashion, is all about balance—ensuring garments move with the body but remain sturdy enough to endure the demands of real life.

Keith's designs are deeply rooted in functionality. His early experiences with skateboarding taught him that clothing needs to serve a purpose—to move, stretch, and endure. This ethos informs every piece he creates, where proportion and durability are balanced against a desire for a bold yet understated aesthetic.

Regarding the construction process, Keith's meticulous attention to detail shines through. Every element serves a functional purpose, from flat-felled seams for durability to precision in darting jackets. His trousers, for instance, emphasize balance, placing just enough taper on the leg for a fit that appears straight-leg.

This philosophy continues in Keith Henry's collaboration with Engineered Garments. This collection contains five items: the Spade Shirt, Criterium Jacket, Swoop Jacket, '37 Patch Jeans, and Rounded Jeans.

Each piece features a unique Engineered Garments fabric, ranging from floral-print denim to a rarely seen yellow 14W corduroy typically reserved for shorts. With its delicate stripes, the cotton seersucker is a testament to the level of precision Keith brings to aligning patterns.

This collaboration isn't just about merging aesthetics—it's about merging philosophies. Engineered Garments is known for pushing familiar fabrics beyond their conventional uses, and Keith's contribution is an extension of that. The broken khaki denim, floral prints, and bold corduroy add depth and texture to Keith's clean silhouettes, elevating the garments beyond simple functionality.

"This collaboration feels like an organic extension of what I've always done," Keith explains. "Engineered Garments takes familiar fabrics and tweaks them a little bit. That's exactly what I try to do—take something classic and add a twist."

The Spade Shirt, Criterium Jacket, and other pieces in the collection reflect this shared commitment to utility without sacrificing style. Keith's ability to merge his hands-on DIY approach with Engineered Garments' flair for unconventional textiles results in a functional and forward-thinking capsule. The floral denim, for instance, subtly disrupts the familiar while maintaining the durability needed for everyday wear.

"Each fabric choice brings its challenge and character," Keith notes, reflecting on the collaboration. "It's about making something durable, something wearable, but also something that feels special."

For Keith Henry and Engineered Garments, the collaboration represents a mutual respect for craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for garments that transcend trends. This capsule is more than just clothing—it's a study in detail, function, and the subtle art of pushing the familiar beyond the expected.