Claw Money, Lou Dallas, and Haley Wollens Create New York’s Coolest Shirts

While upcycling thrifted clothes might be trendy now, secondhand is nothing new for Claw, who has been designing this way for over 10 years. “I only print on vintage T-shirts and vintage fleece,” says Claw. “I realized how much waste there is in this business, and all these clothes that had a former life seemed to be more exciting than just buying a dozen new sweatshirts. And then each piece is different and that’s a special thing.”

Hanley is also driven to be more sustainable in her own designs, and has always created collections with already-worn pieces or deadstock fabrics. “I love collecting clothing that people have basically considered waste or unwearable, and creating something desirable again from that source,” says Hanley. “This project is just that.”

The project is also an exciting moment for the trio, who have been connected for years. Back in the early ’00s, Wollens worked for Claw via an introduction from an ex-boyfriend. “I was studying graphic design and then I started doing graphics for her,” says Wollens. “She’s such an OG, and she’s such a New York legend and such a part of my fashion experience.” Wollens was Claw’s third assistant. “That was the beginning of 15 years of collaborating,” she says of working with the stylist. As for Hanley, the designer interned for Wollens and subsequently, Wollens styled one of her shows. “It’s full circle,” says Wollens.