Downtown NYC’s favourite brand, SC103, is crafting more than just clothes. Jo Rosenthal speaks to SC103’s founders, Sophie Andes-Gascon and Claire McKinney, and discovers their fresh take on inclusivity and design.
SC103 is more than just a fashion brand—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the artistry of craft. Co-founded by Sophie Andes-Gascon and Claire McKinney, the label has established itself as a distinctive voice in New York’s fashion scene since 2019. The brand is known throughout the city for pushing boundaries and offering a fresh take on inclusivity and design. Each collection is a testament to their commitment to authenticity, drawing from a wide range of inspirations that reflect the diverse experiences of their audience. Through a blend of traditional design like clean lines and neutral tones and innovative approaches to style like geometric shapes and monochrome, SC103 crafts garments that are visually striking and rich in meaning, inviting wearers to engage with fashion as a form of personal narrative and artistic expression.
At the core of SC103’s philosophy is a dedication to inclusivity; for Andes-Gascon and McKinney, inviting the community into their creative world comes naturally. “Our runway shows have always been open to the public,” they explain. This openness has transformed their presentations into warm, celebratory experiences reminiscent of family gatherings at school plays or concerts. The public nature of their events blurs the line between fashion and festival, making each show feel like a shared celebration, where the audience is part of the magic.
The SC103 duo fosters an environment where curiosity is encouraged, and everyone is invited to participate. By extending this invitation, they create an atmosphere of collaboration and shared joy, where fashion becomes a collective experience rather than an exclusive one.
New York is not just a backdrop for SC103; it’s a fundamental part of their creative process. “New York is a sensory collage,” they say, reflecting on the city’s boundless energy and vibrancy. After 13 years in the city, they’ve found their rhythms and comforts amidst the chaos. Their studio, tucked away in serenity, has become a sanctuary for creative thinking and making, where Andes-Gascon and McKinney’s dual energy fuels their collective creativity.
But it’s not just working together in the studio that inspires them. SC103’s connection to New York’s Garment District is vital to their process. By working closely with local manufacturers—craftspeople who have spent decades honing their skills—the brand stays rooted in fashion’s ‘hands-on’ craft. From discovering forgotten sewing techniques to unearthing hidden treasures of excess material, Andes-Gascon and McKinney are constantly inspired by the history and skill embedded in their surroundings. Their proximity to the Garment District keeps them in touch with the essence of their craft and proves that their designs are as much about the process as they are about the final product.
SC103’s recent gallery show at Theta highlights the intersection of art and fashion at the heart of their work. The show featured the early developments of their Spring ‘24 collection, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind the brand’s distinctive garments. Some works acted as palettes or sketchbooks, evolving into one-of-a-kind pieces and hand-screened prints that became the highlights of their runway show in September.
This fusion of art and fashion is emblematic of SC103’s broader ethos. Each collection is a series of garments and a narrative woven from textures and vibrant colors. Their approach to fashion is as much about experimentation and exploration as it is about design and how each piece they create tells a story.
Andes-Gascon and McKinney maintain a grounded perspective on their work despite their success. When asked what they might be doing if they weren’t immersed in art and design, their answers reveal the thoughtfulness and individuality that drive their creative vision. Sophie envisions herself as a teacher, while Claire imagines a career as a perfumer—both professions that, like fashion, require a deep understanding of human emotion and sensory experience.
Their designs reflect this blend of intuition and craftsmanship, exemplified by their iconic Links Tote. For Andes-Gascon and McKinney, spotting an old, well-worn tote is particularly special: “Admiring the five-year-old patina tells us a story of the bag and its wearer.” These small moments highlight the personal connections they form with their creations and the people who wear them.
As SC103 continues to evolve, Sophie and Claire have a clear vision of where they’re headed: “Studio, store, factory, makers lab in the woods somewhere. All are welcome.” This dream of physical, creative space in nature reflects their deep commitment to building community and sharing their process with the world. Their future may take them out of the city, but their inclusivity, craft, and connection ethos will always remain at the heart of SC103.
Their advice for aspiring designers encapsulates their journey: “Collect experience and gather contacts with patience. Do what you love with love. Trust your gut, and the right people will find you.” It’s a reminder that their success has been built on not just talent but relationships, trust, and an unwavering passion for what they do.
SC103 isn’t just a brand; it’s a creative journey that invites everyone to participate. Whether through their runway shows, studio practice, or dreams of a brighter future, Andes-Gascon and McKinney are redefining what it means to build a fashion community—one that is as inclusive as it is inspiring.
Words by Jo Rosenthal
