Interior, a fashion brand launched in 2021 by Jack Miner and Lily Miesmer, has announced the immediate closure of all operations. The brand, known for its sophisticated, quirky aesthetic, quickly gained traction in New York’s fashion scene. Interior seemed to have it all – industry clout, successful products, and a supportive network. However, the brand’s journey ended abruptly, leaving many questioning what went wrong.
Miner, in a phone interview, stated that he did everything in his power to prevent the closure, emphasizing that no founder or designer wants to find themselves in such a position. He attributed the decision to the challenging circumstances facing the fashion industry, particularly for emerging brands like Interior.
Miner had previously highlighted the industry’s vulnerability to volatility, mentioning that while larger brands could weather economic storms, smaller businesses struggled to stay afloat. Despite a strong fall market with $700,000 in booked revenue, Interior faced a stark reality when it came to its wholesale partners.
In preparation for the June market, where Interior was slated to present its pre-spring collection, Miner held calls with key wholesale partners. The results were disheartening. Almost every partner projected flat or declining sales for the brand, citing macroeconomic factors like economic instability and the upcoming election, along with more specific challenges such as supply chain delays.
These challenges, coupled with the need for a 20% growth to achieve its breakeven goal, left Miner with a difficult decision. He acknowledged that he could have continued, taking a gamble on the brand’s future, but ultimately felt that the risks outweighed the potential rewards.
While some might point fingers at the fashion industry for its perceived unsupportive environment, Miner expressed gratitude for the support Interior received. He acknowledged that the brand received all the support it could have reasonably expected, adding that ultimately, Interior needed to prove its worth.
Looking back, Miner reflects on the timing of Interior’s launch, which coincided with the tail end of the pandemic. He muses that a different launch date, perhaps a decade earlier when retailers had greater financial flexibility, might have yielded a different outcome.
Miner acknowledges the privilege he had in being able to stop operations, given his family’s support. He recognizes that many designers lack this luxury and are forced to continue operating despite dire circumstances.
Though Interior’s journey has come to an end, Miner remains a seasoned figure in the fashion industry. He views this closure not as a final goodbye but as a chapter in his career. His immediate focus now lies on his family, embracing the role of a dedicated father.
Interior’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the fashion industry, particularly for emerging brands. Despite its promising start, Interior ultimately succumbed to the harsh realities of a volatile market and the challenges of establishing a successful brand in a post-pandemic world.
