Caption: Scott Spahr's designs focus on subtly mixed patterns and colors. Photo provided by Scott Spahr.

For designer Scott Spahr, fashion is about instinct, curiosity and a willingness to dive in headfirst. Self-taught and guided by his lifelong love for art and design, Spahr launched his namesake clothing brand more than 25 years ago after working in vintage retail. “I really had a desire to have my own store where I wanted all of the clothing and fashion to be my design,” he says.

After operating his showcase from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for more than 20 years, Spahr relocated to Sarasota in 2021, drawn by the climate, creative energy and sense of community. “I just really clicked with this area. By that time, I was tired of the Northeast winters and ready to move on,” says Spahr. He hosted a pop-up store in Downtown Sarasota and made the final decision to relocate his business when he saw the community’s appreciation for his designs.

Today, every clothing piece in his Sarasota store—which doubles as his design studio—is designed and sewn by Spahr. His love of creativity is evident in his designs—he enjoys subtly mixing prints and adding small pops of color across the range of men’s and women’s clothes he offers. Spahr intentionally keeps production runs small, choosing instead to focus on offering a variety of fabrics and patterns.

Twenty-five years in, Spahr still designs and sews every day. “I still haven't reached the point of getting burnt out. The creativity and inspiration of the work keep me going,” he says. Beyond clothing, Spahr curates a selection of jewelry, leather goods and accessories sourced from small designers across the U.S. and Europe. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his online presence and make select pieces available for online purchase.

Scott Spahr, 56 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, www.scottspahr.com

Caption: Scott Spahr's designs focus on subtly mixed patterns and colors. Photo provided by Scott Spahr.