When Charlie and Rob started Brown Sound nine seasons ago, they got the idea for their name from French new-wave films and the machine used for riot control. Ironically for the founders, France’s youth culture in the suburbs of Paris erupts into riots more than ever. However Brown Sound as a menswear brand has become a leader in keeping their designs completely original—without having anything to do with riots. For example, instead of heading down the common urbanwear and even streetwear path with all-over print graphics of weaponry and chains, Brown Sound this season has opted for inspiration from Big Sur, California, and an entire Steve McQueen/’70’s sports theme of Hobie cats, hang-gliding, and old-school nose wheelies.

In their recent collection coming out in Spring ’08 which showcased at Pool Fashion Trade Show in August, they bring out their legendary reversible jackets such as windbreakers in yellow and kaki, reversible striped hoodies, and a sailor blue reversible “campfire jacket.” T-shirts have themes such as graphics of their favorite beach in a hidden cove in Big Sur, a giant beard to represent Big Sur’s male residents, graphics of mo-peding down Highway 1, and board shorts to “hang-10 in” with traditional styles and designs of early ‘70’s.

With distribution in parts of Scandinavia, Japan, and North America, ranging from specialty boutiques to Nordstrom’s and Urban Outfitters, Brown Sound is on the radar of buyers looking for something unique and sporty, with a retro reflection of more colorful times. And with fresh themes continuing to pour out each season, the brand is one to watch for future inspiration that will most likely be completely different from others.