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Hip, young menswear label Band of Outsiders and the classic French new wave movie from which it took its name may not have much in common, but both designer Scott Sternberg and director Jean-Luc Godard share an appreciation for a timelessly minimalist aesthetic mixed with a playful, subtle whimsy.

Band of Outsiders' Fall 2008 collection comprises beautiful, traditional tailoring that combines rugged American formalism with a European sense of the poetic: You could imagine Hemingway in one of these outfits, sipping (or chugging) wine in a rustic Spanish café.

We asked Sternberg a few questions about his designs. See the clothes and his responses in the gallery below.

Fashion Showcase: Band of Outsiders

    What other designers have been a particular inspiration to you? Jonathan Ive, the guy who runs design at Apple Computer.

    Before starting Band of Outsiders, did you work as a designer for any large, established labels? No. I was an agent at CAA, a talent agency in Los Angeles.

    How has your brand changed and developed over time? The brand has stayed exactly the same. The clothes follow the same design philosophy and aesthetic, there's just a lot more of them now.

    Is there an overarching philosophy behind your brand? Sure, the name pretty much says it.

    How did you first become interested in clothing design? By trying it out, playing around with it a little.

    How do your latest designs relate to broader trends in men's fashion? I don't think there are real trends in men's fashion, just magazines with lots of pages to fill. To me, it's more about having a unique, cool personal style that you're comfortable with and that you evolve over time.

    If you had to pick one item from the current collection to exemplify the line, which would it be and why? The Sperry collaboration -- a study in subtle reconstruction of classic American boat shoes -- is a good example of our approach to design.

    Do you have a favorite full look from the current collection? I actually hate thinking about all of this in terms of 'looks.' Unfortunately, to function in the fashion industry, you're expected to put on shows every season, which leads to these evil 'looks.' I prefer guys to buy what they like and wear it how they like with other brands they like.

    When did you decide to start your own line? Toward the end of 2003.

    What is the price range? From $105 for a bow tie up to several thousand dollars for a hand-tailored suit.