This platform is never compromised, nor is it contrived. One of the most well known portions of the contemporary Seavees collection comes in the connection to Pantone. Through years of design work, both Galkin and Tiller had reached for Pantone wheels on a daily basis. They wondered how to properly connect to the color giants, when once again a little research struck gold. Founded by Lawrence Herbert in 1963, Pantone itself fit the tie of 1960s innovation.

Reaching out to Lisa Herbert, Galkin and Tiller expressed their desire to honor Lawrence's vision and celebrate the 1960s. They were granted a rare opportunity to draw from Pantone’s original guide, containing 517 colors. Now, they respectfully choose seven shades to reissue per season.

This story illustrates how Seavees works today: find inspiration and discover how to tactfully create a compelling product that speaks to their base period of interest. The collection is built off similar nods to precise moments in time. Shoes are named after dates. For example the “12/62 Desert Boot” takes name from the completion date of Richard Nuetra’s Maslon House in Palm Springs, a distinctive home indicative of the Desert Modernism movement. The “5/66 Slip On” refers to the release date of the Beach Boys Pet Sounds album. Moments like these, and recollections of California past, provide the character of Seavees. They also help to reclaim and re-imagine past styles.

First shown at last months PROJECT in Las Vegas, a future Seeveas model takes from the popular trend for bleeding madras. All the rage in 1960s California, bleeding madras came before threads were colorfast. Navy threads bled, and in wear, light threads begin to take the navy. There was no control and this function of the material made all garments unique. Galkin and Tiller found the story of bleeding madras perfect for Seavees. With the help of Chris at Gitman Bros. they have realize the idea, with archival fabric supplied by the New York-based company.

Moments of discovery coupled with a genuine love of research makes Seavees what it is today. Distinctive shoes without standing out, they are at once contemporary and respectful of history. The story itself speaks to the potential of the past to authentically play out in new product. Seavees is the story of California -- the story of the State’s cool. And, it’s the story of two men who realize a platform from which to push their values and beliefs.

As Galkin and Tiller put it, “We provide a journey to rediscover an era.”