Lizzie Owens, designer of 6397, carries a similar creative blueprint, approaching her designs with a belief that clothes should serve a purpose in day-to-day life. For her, success is about designing garments to instinctively and constantly reach for. Growing up in Utah gave her an awareness of how identity, comfort, and style intersect.
Stella’s sharp eye for curation comes through clearly in the brand’s storytelling. Their digital presence and visuals have an intentional simplicity that carries the soul that defines 6397. The imagery often recalls a film-like, Polaroid quality—raw, intimate, and authentic to the brand’s spirit. Their commitment to storytelling goes beyond imagery, their website features a dedicated blog section where their love for collage and narrative unfolds, offering another layer to how they connect with their community.
This fall marked a milestone in their journey as they joined the Official New York Fashion Week Schedule.
Where are you from? How is your hometown or background woven into your designs?
Stella Ishii: I was born in Japan and have lived in the United States for a long time. In my early 20s, I had a strong urge to leave Japan, to travel and explore other cultures, people, and ways of life. Before founding the showroom News in New York, I lived in Los Angeles and, many years before that, in London and Paris. All of those experiences are part of my character now and are reflected in the DNA of 6397. Denim, workwear, and uniforms are categories of clothing I have always loved—garments that are durable, can be worn for many seasons, and can be styled by the wearer to reflect their own style.
Lizzie Owens: I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by mountains and wide-open spaces. My family was into outdoor activities like skiing and camping, so I learned early to value clothes made for the elements: durable fabrics, roomy proportions, and practical details. That honest, real vibe runs through everything I design. I want our pieces to feel like they’ve been part of your daily life—effortless, tough, and genuine.
In the beginning stages of creating a collection, where do you search for inspiration?
L.O.: The streets are my biggest muse, especially in New York. I’ll often sit at a busy intersection and watch how people layer, mix textures, and move with a quiet attitude. It’s those raw, authentic moments of style that inspire me—clothes that feel natural, support the person, and become part of their everyday story. It’s not about trying too hard; it’s about capturing that real New York feeling: effortless confidence with personality.
S.I.: Lizzie and I share this feeling almost identically. The streets of New York are always full of diversity and remain an important inspiration for us. That’s why it felt like things really fell into place when Lizzie joined 6397 as our designer. I just knew she was the right person.
What was your first experience with NYFW, and how has that shaped you as a designer?
L.O.: My first New York Fashion Week was during my internship with Tess Giberson. I was backstage at her Fall 2005 show. In the months leading up to it, we sewed the collection in her tiny Meatpacking District apartment, taking a true grassroots, DIY approach. It was intense but hugely inspiring. That experience made me fall in love with creating honest, simple clothes with personality—clothes that support the wearer and let their individuality come through.
It also taught me that great design isn’t about perfection but about authenticity. Seeing how real people wear our clothes off the runway keeps us grounded and reminds us why we focus on effortless, authentic style that feels truly yours.
If you had to wear just one of your own pieces for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
L.O.: I’d choose one of our oversized, relaxed shorts. They’re easy, comfortable, and carry that quiet confidence—like your favorite old jeans but made for today. For me, feeling free and confident isn’t about what’s “flattering”; it’s about attitude, and those shorts have it. Clothes should serve the person, not the other way around. That’s the spirit of 6397.
