Jace Lipstein, stylist for NFL Men’s Apparel and founder of fashion label Grungy Gentleman, shared some tips about fashionable ways to stay warm, including how to show off NFL team pride in style.
Jace recently styled Green Bay Packers’ Jordy Nelson for his NFL Apparel campaign shoot. We sat down with Jace to discuss his fashion house Grungy Gentleman and style tips for these chilly months. We also talked about the latest NFL Men’s Apparel which has something for everyone and for every type of weather from puffy vests to stylish sweaters and hoodies.
Check out our exclusive interview with Jace below as well the NFL Apparel campaign.
How did you start career and what led you to becoming a top NFL Stylist?
It is a bit of a long story. I worked as a paralegal at a law firm and was involved in nightlife. My friends always told me that I should do something in fashion whether it be styling, consulting, designing, or blogging. I had just got out of the nightlife industry and the upcoming night was my birthday party. I wanted to support my buddy who mentored me in nightlife. He was having an all black everything themed party. So I had a black tie, black blazer and was looking for a black + white gingham shirt. That day I went to Barney’s and approached the first person I saw who happened to be folding woven shirts. He said, “I do not work for Barney’s, I work for a clothing label.” I knew where I was inside Barney’s, which was the rag & bone pop up shop. So I asked, “Do you work for Rag and Bone?” When he replied yes, I answered, “I dig your stuff!” He said, “Really? Well you can tell the designer, he is right over there.” I got the privilege to speak with David Neville for 20-25 minutes and a gentleman from Barney’s corporate who came over during the conversation. We walked around the store and they were asking my opinion on certain items. It gave me a lot of confidence. So that night, I told my friends about the experience. Let’s fast forward to the next day which was my actual birthday. My friends came over to my apartment and we were heading to the opening of a restaurant called Abe & Arthur’s. They had asked me if I remember telling them last night that my style can be categorized as a “Grungy Gentleman?” I did remember and my friends told me that I needed to purchase a URL with that name. I told them just to calm down, but they would not leave me alone. In fact, they told me they wouldn’t leave to dinner until I purchase the website domain. Being stubborn, I refused. One of my friends handed me a computer and told me it was only $9.99 to buy GrungyGentleman.com. In an effort to leave for dinner, I bought the website. Two weeks went by and I did not even think about it. Then on my lunch break as a paralegal one random day, I saw on GQ.com that Gant Rugger was opening a store in the West Village. I decided to give Gant a call figuring since they do not know who I am, I have little to loose. Four hours later I had an interview with their head designer, Christopher Bastin. From there I got a graphic designer to create a logo and a web designer to create a website. The rest is history.
My main passion in life besides family is sports. I have played on the gridiron since I was a child. So I am forever grateful for this opportunity. In fact I was the nerd in high school who wore his varsity football jacket everyday. It was coaches orders but I would have done it regardless, it was my life. Every project I work on with the NFL I remind myself of that. It makes the hard work effortless.
Where did you find your love for fashion?
My passion for style began with Nike Air Max 95’s. I later graduated to Nike Dunks and searched all over the world for limited edition kicks.
Tell us who some of your favorite clients are and why?
NFL, BET, UGG, Mitchell & Ness, Maui Jim, Peroni, Cole Haan, Timberland and so many more. I strive to work with brands that affect men’s culture, not solely style.
We love your clothing line Grungy Gentleman, how did that come about?
We initially created collaborative apparel and accessory collections with emerging designers to test the waters. That led to a partnership with Nas, where we launched a clothing label together. I then had enough confidence to go out on our own and manufacture Grungy Gentleman clothing. We launched it at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Grungy Gentleman Debut Runway Show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week from Grungy Gentleman on Vimeo.
NFL Players are known for their lack of fashion, why do you think that is the case?
I think that perception was created because certain athletes body types do not allow them to fit into off the rack garments.
However as the menswear industry as grown, so has the amount of options for custom tailoring. All men, including NFL athletes now have more access to menswear via the internet and social media. Currently, you have guys all over the league looking dapper, from Tom Brady and Cam Newton to Kam Chancellor and JT Thomas.
What are some fashionable tips for the athletic guy on the go, who doesn’t have a clue about what looks good?
- Fit should always come into play in your purchasing decision
- Keep it clean
- Awesome fitting black t-shirt paired with a black blazer and black jeans always works
- Become friends with a tailor
- Tailor the length of your jeans and all blazers + suits
- Wear it with confidence
How was it working with Green Bay Packers’ Jordy Nelson on the NFL Apparel campaign?
He was an absolute pleasure to work with and looked fresh in the imagery. The Packers have themselves a high quality individual and one heck of a talent. One of the 3 locations at our photo shoot was Lambeau Field, which was surreal. I maintained professionalism, but it was difficult to restrain myself from a Lambeau leap. 
What most surprised you about the new NFL Apparel collection?
Their new product is just so elevated. Mixed media, unique fabrications, color blocking, clean silhouettes … you name it they got it.
Tell us how NFL Apparel this season and how it’s different from what they have done in the past?
The product is versatile and not solely just for game day anymore. NFL Apparel can easily transition into everyday usage including dinner with the family, a date with a significant other and/or a night out with friends. The best way to accomplish this is to dress your team piece up by layering around it. You can throw on a team t-shirt over a hoodie and pair that with a topcoat. Another solid option is rocking a jersey underneath a peacoat or blazer. It is how you pair it. Toning it down a little bit makes it look more polished and put together.
To shop the items seen in this story head over to the NFLShop.com
