FROM ITS FLAGSHIP SHOP IN NANTUCKET TO MOUNTAIN OUTPOSTS IN ASPEN AND VAIL, RES IPSA USES A SLOW-FASHION MODEL TO GIVE CENTURY-OLD TEXTILES NEW LIFE.
Res Ipsa’s handpainted denim. PHOTO COURTESY OF RES IPSA
WHEN ATLANTA LAWYERS Joshua Moore and Odini Gogo couldn’t find 3-inch-wide neckties to wear at work, they decided to make their own, using the same tie manufacturer in New York’s garment district that made Ralph Lauren’s first tie. From there, Res Ipsa (resipsausa.com) was born, named for the legal term res ipsa loquitur (Latin for “the thing speaks for itself ”). While traveling the world, the duo found inspiration beyond neckwear, crafting handmade pieces from repurposed materials. Res Ipsa in Vail carries the brand’s signature loafers and weekender bags made from handwoven 50- to 100-year-old kilim rugs from Turkey. We caught up with Moore and Gogo as they were working on new products at their atelier in Marrakech, Morocco.
What’s your vision for Res Ipsa?
The deeper we get into the apparel industry, the more we see how much waste exists. The typical model generates large quantities of unsold merchandise that gets dumped, eventually ending up in landfills. We try to utilize deadstock fabrics and repurposed materials. Or, as we say, make new stuff out of old stuff. Most of our products are one of a kind, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Joshua Moore and Odini Gogo. PHOTO BY ASIYAMI GOLD
Where are your products made?
We make some products in Los Angeles, but we make about 75% of our products at our Marrakech atelier. We spend a lot of time in Marrakech. In fact, we’re building a small boutique hotel here to be a full representation of our brand.
Is Res Ipsa your full-time gig?
We still practice law at our own firm, Gogo & Moore. This enables us to generate the income we need to self-fund the growth of Res Ipsa. We own Res Ipsa 100% and have spurned a lot of offers from potential investors. We don’t want someone coming in and telling us how to run it.
What’s the hot product for summer?
We are very excited about our camp shirt and camp short sets, and our handpainted denim made from vintage 501s.
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