Hypebeast Community Center: Bailey Goldberg

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Give us your elevator pitch.

As a hat designer specializing in creating top-notch beanies, I put great emphasis on my brand while maintaining my natural humor in the process.

 

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A post shared by Bailey Goldberg (@baileyxgoldberg)

The Five Ws

Who is wearing Bailey Goldberg?

It’s not wrong to say “everyone,” but I believe that many people can discover something they like within the broad category of knitting, which is a craft accessible to all.

What is your brand’s main message?

It’s unclear how concrete my message might be, given the nature of the work, yet I often view it as a blend of refining a serious skill set in craftsmanship and a deep affection for garments, while also infusing elements of silliness and personal references to the things that define me.

When did you launch your label?

For a considerable period, I solely focused on creating items. I spent numerous years fulfilling custom orders exclusively through DMs, refraining from establishing a website with ready-to-stock products until the impending news article threatened to overload my DMs. While that moment could be viewed as a launch, in my opinion, it was 2023 when Selfridges approached me about stocking my designs that I truly consider my official launch. Prior to this, I hadn’t even attached labels to my beanies, though I can’t quite explain why not. Regardless, the necessity to act prompted me to establish myself more firmly in the industry.

When I began knitting, it was as if all the missing pieces of a puzzle had appeared before me, allowing me to easily fit them together.

Where are people wearing Bailey Goldberg?

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve snapped memories galore: from icy glaciers to cozy cafes, towering mountains, bustling office spaces, and even the unique charm of PFW. I’ve also captured crabbing adventures, architecture sites, and the vibrant summer scenery of Texas.

Why was the Bailey Goldberg brand created?

It seems that creative skill or talent you possess has been with you all along, merely presenting itself in various forms. At 13, I was making shirts and by 15, I was sewing, yet it felt like I hadn’t quite stumbled upon my unique craft. When I began knitting, however, it was as if the missing pieces of a puzzle had appeared, and I could now effortlessly fit them together.



About The Brand

When did knitwear design become a passion for you — and on top of that, an intended career path?

In 2019, I found myself creatively drained and yearning for a fresh avenue to explore. Dabbling with the thought of diving into jewelry design, I stumbled upon an ’80s knitted sweater emblazoned with the bold ILGWU (International Ladies Garment Workers Union) insignia. The union’s logo captivated me and seemed to effortlessly translate into a knitting pattern that wouldn’t let go of my imagination.

Unable to purchase one, I opted to create my own knitted piece. To be honest, I was completely unfamiliar with knitwear and hadn’t the slightest clue about the process of knitting. Given my experience in creating handmade items, I recognized that attempting to learn knitting from scratch on a sweater would drive me mad. Instead, I settled on knitting a beanie. After several attempts, I felt confident that I had crafted the ideal beanie.

Posting them online made me realize that others felt the same way too. People were constantly requesting more and more of them, which fueled my desire to create even more. Knitting that ILGWU sweater was never done, but it led me to a vast, creative universe within knitting. Eventually, my friend and mentor Cody Parks found one for sale on a Manhattan street rack, so I can now proudly say that I own one.

How would you define Bailey Goldberg’s style in your own words?

It can be challenging for me to distinguish my personal aesthetic from the brand’s, yet it seems that they complement each other harmoniously. What I value most is a combination of comfort, practicality, and individuality. Ideally, I aspire to create a cohesive wardrobe, where every piece seamlessly integrates with what already exists, while simultaneously showcasing its unique charm.



What do you think makes Bailey Goldberg stand out in today’s sea of emerging fashion brands?

Instead of many brands striving for excellence across multiple areas, mine has chosen a singular focus – perfecting one design element at a time. Five years ago, I established the basic shape for my beanie, making only minor adjustments since then. This consistency allows me to pour all my creative energy into refining my patterns and designs. Initially, this wasn’t a brand-building endeavor; it was simply a passion for knitting that has guided me along the way. I believe that authenticity shines through, even if it may not be immediately apparent to others.

How does Bailey Goldberg establish a robust, recognizable brand image? In what ways do marketing campaigns and the visual stories associated with their apparel contribute to the overall brand?

Initially, I discovered that setting a stringent framework for presenting my work significantly improved its aesthetics. By maintaining full control over the variables, I could effortlessly incorporate new creations without any concerns. Over time, I’ve adhered to this structure so rigidly that it has subconsciously influenced my beanie designs, with me constantly questioning whether they would appear visually appealing when held aloft. As I ventured into releasing items like sweaters, I’ve endeavored to preserve this idea while fostering its evolution, aiming to prevent a monotonous, formulaic feel.






What style codes or eras do you draw inspiration from?

Recently, I’ve been drawn to vintage industrial knitwear from the first half of the 1900s. While I’m certain the creators wouldn’t put it this way, a large portion of their work is well-tailored, high-quality, and often features a distinctive touch.

Regardless of the circumstances, it seems that Sears is consistently at the forefront. With their vast production of apparel, there’s a surplus everywhere, yet I constantly discover hidden treasures – pieces of exceptional design – in their collection.

“I’m pushing to do as many sweaters as I can going forward.”

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced while building your brand?

Running authentic business operations consistently proves to be a tough nut to crack for me. On the other hand, dedicating countless hours to knitting comes naturally and easily. It’s simply a matter of sitting down and getting started, but devising brand strategies, production schedules, and handling general administrative tasks has always felt overwhelming.

Whose head would you most like to see your designs on?

Erykah Badu

What’s next for Bailey Goldberg?

I plan on making as many sweaters as time allows, since they represent an exciting challenge for me. For years, I’ve delved deep into the world of beanies, but now it’s invigorating to work with a fresh medium. Sweaters offer more space, allowing me to experiment and push my creativity further, which has led me down new artistic paths.

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2025-07-01 17:26