Who

Saint Rita Parlor

Photos of Saint Rita Parlor's founder Neil Bardon and his space above by Daniel Johnson 

As told by Preservation founder, Nicole Lorenson

I have been obsessed with the small indie brand Saint Rita Parlor since my trip to Austin this past fall. Made in the USA and focused on small limited runs, this is definitely a quality over quantity situation. After a few emails back and forth with creator and owner Neil Bardon, I was excited to find out that he not only designs amazing sunglasses, but he also has 2 fragrances that are offered in perfume and incense cones. One of them includes Whiskey, tobacco and rose...SO GOOD!

Neil's whole brand is inspired by his muse and Grandmother Rita. Every entity of the brand has been carefully preserved and tells the story of her life through the means of the merits that she instilled in him. There are many direct correlations, for example, the first cup of coffee he ever had was with Rita, and she was known around St. Louis for her astonishing baking talent. Neil brought these memories into his package design by staining the debut collections cases with coffee and baking them in the oven to personalize and authenticate each parcel. Every measure of his brand has a profound relationship to specific facets that are directly akin to Rita. From collection conceptualization and product names, to material selection, onward.

I am also personally inspired by his commitment to his design standards and transparent and responsible business practices within the fashion industry. 

Neil's  theory: "When investing in an item of substantial concept, quality, and design the first thing as a designer I ask myself is whether or not it has the capability to stand the test of time. Not everyone understands the value of owning a piece from an exclusive run. In modern time the masses are unaware of and also content with mass consumption and that a rare or limited designer product doesn’t appeal to them. There is no modern-day Eames or Milo Baughman. With that is the reason behind why I decided to make a limited amount of my work. I much rather be a part of genius design versus making a product that is detrimental to design itself and also a burden in many ways to society."

I love what this guy does! Shop our collection of SRP in the shop and online now!

Shop Saint Rita Parlor at Preservation

Images and details: Photographer Daniel Johnson for Saint Rita Parlor  &  Studio Preservation