If you're the type that likes nice threads, but isn't blessed with loads of disposable dough, you probably want gear that's a little more unique than H&M and Urban Outfitters and won't traumatize your bank balance like Dior Homme. The new Los Angeles label Cloth Logic aims squarely for that middle ground between chain store chic and high-end fashions.

The line's current collection embraces an understated, earthy color palette -- browns, grays, khakis -- and flattering, slim-fit cuts for a range of vintage-inspired sweaters and jackets, including some fine updates of military-style pea coats and trenches.

We caught up with head designer Leon Shpayer, who gave us the lowdown on his own background, his current aims with Cloth Logic and his vision for the brand's future.

If you like the look, head over to the Cloth Logic Web site, where Asylum readers can get a 30 percent discount (use code CLASYLUM at checkout). Offer valid throughout the month of November.

Designer Profile: Cloth Logic

    How did you first become interested in clothing design? I come from a long line of designers, tailors, pattern makers and seamstresses. My mom is a coat designer and throughout my childhood I was always around sewing needles and sewing machines. I made my first piece of clothing when I was 8. It was an apron. So it's very natural for me to express my creativity through clothes.

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    Before starting at Cloth Logic did you work as a designer for other labels? Yes, I started working as a designer for Tyler Speed, a men's and women's knitwear company. I designed both lines. The line consisted of vintage inspired T-shirts with vintage traveling prints, tailored jackets and French terry jackets for women. It was all domestic, very well washed and very vintage looking. Following that I was picked up by Cosa Nostra, a Jeffrey Sebelia (winner of Project Runway) label. I designed their Japanese label called "Diamond Dogs." It included customized, rock and roll inspired leather and plaid jackets and suits. The line was full of studs, spikes, hand-sewn patches of punk bands and spray painted chains.

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    What do you think makes the clothes distinctive? Great design for an incredible price. For example a woolen long coat with 4 patch pockets, a rib-stand up collar, cool cotton gingham lining, vintage-custom buttons is only $130.

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    What's your personal background? How has it affected your aesthetic, do you think? I began as a fine artist, a painter. It was all about problem solving and thinking conceptually. My interest moved towards form and function, which led me to making clothes. I am constantly challenging myself in every collection for every piece to be a finished work of art.

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    Is there a central theme to the current collection? The current theme will spread out over three separate collections. I was really inspired by the greasers and the jocks, and how they used to fight over their different ideologies. I am working on a battle between those ideologies expressed by how they dressed. First collection, I will introduce the greasers. Second collection, I will introduce the jocks. In the third collection, it will be the battle, which ironically will unite their ideologies. Or maybe not!

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    Which other designers have been a particular inspiration to you? I am always keeping my eye out for the designers that aren't in the mainstream. For example, a designer for SANS, Lika Volkova, she has been quite an inspiration. She always pushes the line of what is clothes and what is a sculptural work of art. She now went further by using only organic fabrics.

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    Where and how are the clothes made? We manufacture in China and Korea. We are developing a line using organic, eco-friendly and recycled fabrics, the majority of which will be made domestically in Los Angeles. We are all very excited about that.

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    What is the price range? Our lambs wool sweaters range between $50-$70 and our jackets and coats range between $80-$130.

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    Where can our readers buy them? Is there anywhere on the web to purchase them? We have a long list of boutique stores all over the world, which you can find on our cool new website: clothlogic.com. You can also most definitely purchase online from our website.

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    If you could have costumed one film what would it have been? Cloth Logic guy will most likely be found making the movie.

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