This week's release features a capsule of graphic tees in collaboration with NY based designer and vintage curator, Andrew 'Souvenyr' Short. We've long been fans of Souvenyr, and featured his curated collection at our NYC Marathon pop-up last year. Our team caught up with him in Times Square at of course, a souvenir shop, to photograph the capsule and learn a bit more about the man behind all things vintage NYC.

All photographs captured by Nash
View more work from Souvenyr

Only NY: Who are you, where are you from?

Souvenyr: My name is Andrew, I grew up on Long Island but have long divorced myself of it and live in the city now.

Only NY: Tell us about 'Souvenyr', how it started, and when you began collecting vintage pieces & accessories?

Souvenyr: I started my graphic design career working for a sportswear company making graphic tees. Both the garments and graphics were sold throughout the country to souvenir shops. When I decided on the name "Souvenyr" it was a combination of bringing it back to what I first did in design and what an actual souvenir is, which is usually something you buy on a trip to remember an event/person or place.  

For me, collecting NYC-related items was because of my love of the city. My dad would drive me to Shea Stadium for Mets games in the late 80's early 90's. When we'd get close to the stadium there's an area on the LIE where you can see the skyline. I distinctly remember thinking to myself "What is that!?" From that point on I had this obsession with New York City.

In my early teens I got into punk and hardcore music and I would always hear about New York City bands. I started to collect New York City specific ephemera during college. I went to school for Graphic Design so I loved anything with interesting type or graphics. I found that old maps had these great illustrations in them as well.

Only NY: As a graphic designer, what are some of the classic trends or influences you’ve noticed from vintage apparel you collect that continues to inspire you?

Souvenyr: As far as influences go, I still find old type-based graphic tees inspiring along with matchbook art. I was fortunate to find what looks to be a catalog of advertising matchbooks from the 1930's at a flea market. It was a goldmine for someone like me. The illustrations, typefaces used, color mixing are incredible! Even the way they're printed facinates me. I love when there's more than 1 color and the registration is off. To me those imperfections make for great artwork.

With old graphic tees, they can be so simple but also so difficult to design in my opinion. The fonts used, spacing, scale changes and placements all make the difference between a great graphic and one that's not so good. I still get really excited when I come across new type layouts on old garments.

Only NY: What are some of your favorite t-shirt finds and just pieces in general?

Souvenyr:
1) 1940's New York Athletic Club track jacket
2) A Late 70's New York Road Runners Club tee
3) 1980's Max's Kansas CIty telephone key FOB
4) 1977 Blackout Tee
5) 1997 CBGB's show t-shirt from when Raybeez of Warzone passed away
6) 1980's AREA nightclub invitation
7) 1979 Bleeker Bob's Records cut-off tee
8) 1986 Paradise Garage sweatshirt

Only NY: We’re psyched to be able to collaborate with you on the capsule, could you shed some light onto the graphics made for the collection and the history behind them?

Souvenyr: Honestly it was such an amazing collaborative effort between myself and OnlyNY. With regards to the collab I wanted to base the graphics around old tees that I had in my collection. For example I love old NYC map tees where the artist illustrates different neighborhoods but adds a bit of humor and seediness to the graphic. I also happen to love old running tees, I did a take on old graphics from the 80's and 90's. My favorite graphic is the simple but classic "New York City" in blue and orange. I found an old sweatshirt from the 1950's with the exact same graphic. I believe it was the OnlyNY team that also loved it so much they wanted to use it for a graphic.

Only NY: With thrifting and vintage culture being bigger than ever right now, how can people educate themselves more on the things that matter vs the things that don’t?

Souvenyr: I'd say the most valuable information that I've gotten was from people. Obviously there is a treasure trove of information on the internet but the most meaningful information about garments and stories about the items have come from the people I've purchased them from. Also go with your gut in terms of what you find interesting and love. I think it's innate to want to learn more about what you find intriguing.  

Only NY: How can the people find you and learn more about your work, and what you do?

Souvenyr: On instagram is probably the best way to see what i'm up to or where I'll be setting up shop for a pop up. @souvenyr_

Only NY: Any shoutouts?

Souvenyr: Sure, my partner in crime Emily, my friends whom have been so supportive and have made me laugh along the way. Every single vintage person I've come in contact with. I've learned so much from all of them in some capacity.