SAMMY: Designed Leisure that’s 100% Miami

Clark Samuel is a Miami native, so he knows a thing or two about the heat. As a kid, he was drawn to the sketch pad. As an adult, he’s back in his hometown and turning his sketches into reality with his swimwear and men’s leisurewear line, SAMMY. “I am a big fan of comfort and since Miami is very hot, I’ve always made sure to dress in a way that keeps me cool. Miami is the perfect place for SAMMY because the collection is in tune with the playful lifestyle here and offers elevated basics for vacation living.”

Read on for Excerpts from our Conversation with Clark…

What inspired you to get into fashion? 

Working in fashion was something I was always naturally drawn to. Throughout my life, it manifested in different ways. As a kid, I loved sketching, as a teen I loved shopping, and as I entered adulthood I worked in retail at American Apparel, Lacoste and lululemon. I went to Parsons in New York City for undergrad to study fashion photography and ultimately graduated with a degree in Creative Advertising. I then went on to get a Masters in Luxury Brand Management at Istituto Marangoni in Miami. During this time, I fell in love not just with fashion but with branding and the way that brands can communicate a message through their creations.

How did you develop Sammy? 

I came up with the idea to start SAMMY two years ago. My motive was to create my “perfect” closet – a collection of pieces that made me feel confident when I put them on, pieces that I could love for a very long time. Self-esteem is a big topic in my life, and fashion was always something that helped with that. When I was younger, I followed trends but as I got older, all I wanted to wear were the few items in my closet that were high-quality and fit exactly how I wanted. I started by designing my dream pair of shorter shorts. They’ve been my go-to piece for as long as I can remember. From there, the line grew into a full collection of both swimwear and leisure wear. I also used to be an avid shopper of the women’s section — I’ve never seen why not. Part of my mission with SAMMY moving forward is making the line friendly to all genders.

What is your style? How has Miami influenced your style? Why is Miami the right place for your brand? 

In two words, my style is “designed leisure.” I say designed because the overall “design,” including the fit, fabric and color of a piece of clothing, is very important to me. My style is very simple, yet the beauty for me lies in the details, silhouettes and colors. Miami is the perfect place for SAMMY because the collection is in tune with the playful lifestyle here and offers elevated basics for vacation living.

What is Miami to you? What images come to mind? 

Miami to me is "easy living". Palm trees, neon signage, Art Deco architecture, pale pink, mint and pale blue, blue sunny skies, flamingos, Ocean Drive, roller skates, pool floats.

Lightning Round with Clark Samuel — Miami Fav’s edition

What’s your favorite…? 

• Restaurant: Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Miami Design District
• Quiet escape: The beach during sunset
• Bar/nightlife: Broken Shaker in Mid Beach
• Outdoor activity: Biking on the boardwalk by Ocean Drive

SAMMY can be found online at www.sammyshop.com or in person at the Soho Beach House and The Standard Hotel in Miami Beach. SAMMY will be featured at several events during Miami Beach Pride in September 2021. Look for their pop-up shop at the SOAK Pool Party as well as a fashion show on September 12 at Andaz Miami Beach.