Hypebeast Community Center: Sebastien Ami

Hypebeast Community Center is a new series spotlighting emerging, indie and underground brands in street culture — giving them a platform to share their story and explain who they are/what they do.

Give us your elevator pitch.

Sebastien Ami is a luxury menswear company with a unisex lens established by designer Sebastien Amisial and co-directed with partner Marianne Amisial. The brand provides utilitarian yet luxurious clothing and accessories for the modern-day artisan. The goal of the company is to re-establish the narrative of workwear that is more thoughtful in design for day-to-day and all-day wear; all the while heightening quality through fabrication, fit, and attention to detail.

Who is wearing Sebastien Ami?

People that care about functionality, heritage, personal style and above all else, quality.

What is Sebastien Ami’s main message?

The brand’s message is that the combination of both luxury and utility drive the overall well-being, workflow, and innovative potential of a creative professional. We act as a stimulant that assists with this process of creation that ultimately fuels us all.

When did you launch Sebastien Ami?

During the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020.

Where are people wearing Sebastien Ami?

Worldwide — Los Angeles, New York, Puerto Rico, Japan, Germany, Abu Dhabi, Mexico and South Africa

Why was Sebastien Ami created?

We identified a gap in the market and a need for this style of clothing. The interest in vintage clothing, particularly workwear, stemmed from a desire for longevity. This prompted us to create a more luxurious take on workwear that could be transitional from day to night, establishing our vision of crafting luxurious utilitarian clothing for the modern-day artist.

"While our designs speak to everyone, they whisper to some."

What was the spark that catalysed the creation of Sebastien Ami?

Sebastien: While immersed in a painting I was working on at the time, I recognized a profound truth: artists need more than just clothing – they need a canvas for self-expression, a way to embody their creative spirit in their daily presence. This realization transformed into a mission to craft pieces that bridge the gap between artistic identity and personal comfort, allowing creatives to move authentically through their world. The clothing became a medium for translating the freedom of artistic expression into wearable form.

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

Sebastien: My journey into fashion design began through an unexpected portal—the vibrant world of anime and manga. This early passion opened my eyes to Japanese culture, eventually leading me to discover the artistry of Japanese streetwear. As my interests evolved, vintage clothing emerged as a natural companion to this aesthetic, creating a fascinating intersection that pointed to one place: Los Angeles.

LA beckoned with its promise of creative convergence, where distinct styles melded into something entirely new. While New York called, as it does to every designer, I chose the less obvious path. I wanted to grow from the outside in, to return to New York only when the time felt right, when my voice as a designer had fully formed.

Those early years in LA, still in my twenties, shaped me in profound ways. It was here that my understanding of fashion deepened—from the heritage of European houses to the intricate workings of the industry itself. Each experience became a thread in my creative fabric, strengthening my resolve until one day I could say with quiet confidence: "I am a designer."

Marianne: Style has always fascinated me—the way it's interpreted differently by individuals and designers alike, revealing the true essence of who we are.

My journey began in retail, where I discovered my passion for helping others find their personal style. Watching people transform as they found pieces that made them feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful became my purpose. This natural progression led me through every facet of the fashion industry. From wholesale to merchandising, from women's dresses to denim, from sourcing to marketing—each role added a new dimension to my understanding. Working across these diverse areas and brands allowed me to not just grow my experience, but to discover what truly resonated with me.

Now, my partnership with Sebastien represents the perfect alignment of vision and purpose. Together, we've created a world that speaks directly to the modern day artisan—a demographic I deeply understand because I am one. This authentic connection has become one of my proudest achievements.

Following answers were provided in unison.

How would you define Sebastien Ami’s style in your own words?

With three words in mind - luxury, vintage, utility - Sebastien Ami's designs provide a unique blend of elevated style and practical functionality. The brand caters to discerning individuals who seek garments that seamlessly transition from professional settings to social occasions, embodying a sense of sophistication and versatility.

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

At Sebastien Ami, our essence lies in storytelling. Each piece we create opens a door to endless possibilities, weaving narratives that extend far beyond the garments themselves. We don't seek to stand out—instead, we embrace the subjective nature of our craft, much like art itself.

While our designs speak to everyone, they whisper to some. We believe deeply in the personal nature of beauty, understanding that true resonance comes from individual connection. In an era where brands race to capture attention, we choose a different path: creating sustainable pieces that speak softly but touch deeply, finding their way to those who understand their potential and purpose.

What role do fashion shows play in the Sebastien Ami universe?

Fashion shows are central to Sebastien Ami's creative expression. They serve as collaborative spaces where we bring together our tightly knit community to showcase not just clothing, but our vision of inclusive, boundary-pushing fashion. These shows allow us to demonstrate how our pieces come alive through movement and styling, while fostering a creative community that shares our artistic values.

What style codes or eras do you draw inspiration from?

Inspiration is very holistic to us. Our recent move to New York from Los Angeles has been a huge catalyst for design inspiration. Being able to absorb street style and culture, architecture, and interior design—all of these things play a big role in how they influence our designs. Vintage design is our endless muse—an evergreen well of inspiration that transcends time. Rather than confining ourselves to a single era, we move fluidly through decades, extracting and reimagining elements that resonate with our contemporary vision. This freedom allows us to craft pieces that honor the past while boldly stepping into the future.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when building Sebastien Ami?

Financing the brand has been the biggest challenge. We are approaching our fifth year in business and this year has been the hardest year to date. We’ve acknowledged that we can no longer pivot and have to stick to a formula that works. We’re currently looking to align ourselves with mentors that see the vision and are willing to help us drive our business forward. To be able to acknowledge that we need to take some steps back to find the right balance is tough at first, but the more we talk about it the more it makes sense.

"At our core, we are artists driven by genuine creative passion. We believe Sebastien Ami can demonstrate how independent brands can prioritise authenticity over commercialism."

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since launching Sebastien Ami?

The biggest lesson since launching Sebastien Ami has been learning to align vision with practicality. While perseverance and adaptability are essential in fashion's turbulent landscape, understanding when to evolve and when to hold steady has been crucial. We've discovered that success stems from balancing creative ambition with strategic stability. Most importantly, we've learned that authenticity in our approach—paired with rigorous execution—creates the most sustainable path forward.

Why should people care about Sebastien Ami?

At our core, we are artists driven by genuine creative passion. We believe Sebastien Ami can demonstrate how independent brands can prioritise authenticity over commercialism. Each piece we create is born from personal connection—clothing we ourselves cherish and feel empowered wearing. Our deepest fulfilment comes from sharing this sense of confidence and joy with others who choose to wear Sebastien Ami. This simple exchange—creating pieces that make people feel their best—is what gives our work meaning.

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