Elite Traveler Winter 2020

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AdamBrown on changing course

It isn’t often that someone can admit they’re not cut out for their particular line of work, but that is exactly what AdamBrown, founder of Orlebar Brown, did in his past career as a photographer. It’s a good thing, too, or this British resort wear company would never have been born. By Roberta Naas

At a friend’s 40th birthday party at a top-notch resort in Rajasthan almost 15 years ago, Adam Brown was struck by the fact that when the group of friends were preparing to go to lunch, they had to change because of the untidy and lackluster swim shorts they were all wearing. Then working as a photographer, Brown felt he had found a calling and was keen to switch gears. His concept: tailored swim shorts that seamlessly transition the wearer from swimming to proper socializing — all while looking great. “I was a photographer at the time, but life wasn’t going according to plan,” says Brown. “I took photographs, but I was not a photographer; there is a fundamental difference. I was at a point in my life where my career was not going well. I knew I was never going to get the big jobs; I was 40 years old and I needed something different to do. That particular holiday, I found the idea.” His concept for Orlebar Brown was to create swim shorts based on a pattern for traditional trousers, complete with a shaped waistband and adjustable side fasteners (which have since become a signature of the brand). Today, Orlebar Brown is all about style, design and quality. The company’s beach and resort swim shorts sell for about $350 a pair and are backed by a five-year guarantee. “I’ve never understood what is good about being average. So, when we started making the shorts, quality was most important,” says Brown, noting that it took him 18 months to get to the standards he wanted. “There’s a trust element involved in working with our customers. We can’t let them down.” The first swim shorts made their debut in 2007, and since then the company has expanded its line to include shirts, jackets, shorts, trousers and more. It even has an entire ‘Design Your Own’ concept, as well as a put-your- photo-here offering. Additionally, Orlebar Brown has enhanced its sales not only via online and major retailers, but also with its own boutiques. The global brand has more than 25 locations around the world, including London, New York, Miami, France and Greece. According to Brown, the company’s success comes from establishing a creed that governs all it creates. “The core values that we follow, and that affect the way we design our clothes, are vibrant, tailored and brave,” says Brown. “Vibrant is about being colorful, it is about energy and sociability, and vibrant is about having a

Adam Brown