CWST has ended operations.
The brand’s founders, Derek Buse and Joe Sadler, have decided to close the brand to pursue different projects.
In a statement to customers, Buse stated, “After three years of amazing memories, interaction and relationships with each of you, we regret to inform you that CWST will not be moving forward. We will not be showing spring 2017 at the upcoming markets and will not be shipping autumn 2016 product.”
CWST was known for its contemporary clothes inspired by a laid-back, California sensibility, but created with sophisticated textiles. The collection was sold at retailers including Dover Street Market, Ron Herman and East Dane Online.
Before founding CWST, pronounced “quest,” Sadler and Buse started men’s wear line Riviera Club, which won a nomination from GQ and the Council of Fashion Designers of America for the Best New Men’s Wear Designer in 2011. They were forced to stop producing the line because of trademark issues with another brand. The brand recently collaborated with Frank & Oak on a men’s capsule collection.
For the past few seasons, the brand has presented at New York Men’s Day, which is organized by Agentry PR and presented by Cadillac at Industria Superstudio. For the upcoming season, the following designers will participate: Chapter, David Hart, David Naman, Krammer & Stoudt, Maiden Noir, Max ‘n Chester, Plac, Private Policy, Rideau, Robert James, Uri Minkoff and Wood House.