“Standout clothing crafted with integrity and authenticity” and built to last is at the core of the Billy Reid’s sartorial ethos around which the designer has built a devoted following out of his Florence, Alabama studio.

The Southern town informs the designer’s DNA down to the  famed annual Shindig, which he’s staged in Florence every summer since 2009 and which has built a genuine community of friends around him and the brand via concerts, food, conversations, dancing, drinking and “an unmatched bonhomie.”

Now marking the 20th anniversary of his brand, we spoke to Reid about his start, lessons he learned along the way, career highlights and advice he has for young designers.

Take us back 20 years. What inspired you to start your business then?

I was very particular about details when I would be shopping for myself and couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, whether it was the fabric, the fit, or the nuanced details. So, I began to work with some factory relationships I had in Europe and New York to make pieces how I personally wanted them. My hope was that if I liked these pieces, others would follow.

What was your ethos then and how has it evolved since?

The ethos has been fairly consistent. When we first began opening shops, we wanted them to reflect a residential feel. Being a start up, that meant literally taking pieces from my house and putting them in the shops, mixing thrift store finds, and making our own fixtures. As we grew, our tastes evolved, houses need redecorating so to speak, but the premise of making our environment feel warm and inviting and the mix of the modern, reclaimed and our own crafted fixtures is still the approach.

What did you learn about yourself in the process?

There’s only one of you, so be yourself and that can be what separates you.

Name three highlights in the two decades.

The 2010 The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund experience, the 2012 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year Award…But I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on our small community in Muscle Shoals Alabama. I wanted to build an American fashion house in the Deep South and do things differently, I had no idea how rewarding those efforts would be.

What are the favorite pieces you designed?

Oh, man!  That’s a lot of pieces over the years! There are pieces from the first collection that are still on the rack today- our denim shirt and Bond Peacoat date back to then and are still our bestsellers season after season. Personally, I love making the swag for local high school sports teams, bands we dig, and the various charitable initiatives.

What are your aspirations for the next two decades?

My passion is the creative process and I hope to continue to be curious and inspired. I’m looking forward to some exciting relationships in the genres of home, hospitality and lifestyle products over the next few years.

What advice do you have for aspiring menswear designers?

Be resilient, as there can be many ups and downs. Save your money and do things yourself when you can. Don’t think you know everything. Make sure you’re comfortable with what you’re putting your name on. Enjoy the work!