After being nominated for GQ/CFDA Best New Menswear Designer in the USA in 2010, Burkman Bros Spring Summer 11 line will now be stocked in Liberty and Dover Street Market. Taking their inspiration from the beaches and fishermen of Sri Lanka, brothers Doug and Ben Burkman have created a light-hearted collection of printed shirts, shorts and beachwear in textured dobby fabrics. The result is a highly wearable yet unique collection of individual prints that mix Eastern influences with classic American design. 

Dazed Digital: What makes you guys different?
Burkman Bros: The approach to our brand has always been about, "If we wouldn't make it, we wouldn't wear it".  So more than anything, we make clothes that we would actually wear ourselves.  Although we obviously pay attention to what's going on in the world, trends come and go, so we try to remain true to our instincts and what feels right.

DD: Describe the look for S/S11…
Burkman Bros: Nomadic beachcomber of the tropics.

DD: Why did you choose Sri Lanka as the inspiration behind the collection?
Burkman Bros: Sri lanka had all of the right components for a great summer collection - tropical exoticism, a relaxed and laid-back vibe, palm-fringed beaches, emerald-green waters and lush landscapes - which resulted in a spicy & jewel-toned colour palette.

DD: The collection is full of holiday pieces.. if you could go on holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Burkman Bros: We are traveling next month to the Napali coast on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.  This will likely serve as the concept inspiration for our SS12 collection.

DD: What’s your favourite piece from the new season?
Burkman Bros: Definitely our short sleeve ikat pop-over shirt. It really captures the spirit and vibe of the collection - Not to mention, the fabric was literally woven by hand on vintage fabric looms. It's the real deal.

DD: What’s next?
Burkman Bros: For the spring 2011 season we curated two amazing shop-in-shop concepts at Odin in new york and Ron Herman in Los Angeles.  They are filled with super cool limited-edition shorts and some unique items like colourful woven rugs and hand-made nautical bracelets. Additionally, as we look forward to next year when we'll have some exciting product collaborations.  Stay tuned!