Greg Storey – Senior Creative Director at RSVLTS – discusses the company’s fan-first approach to design

Before we dive in, for anyone new to RSVLTS, how would you describe what you do?
RSVLTS (Roosevelts) is an apparel and lifestyle brand rooted in high-grade pop culture fandoms and nostalgia. What makes RSVLTS a bit different is our approach to producing fashionable, officially licensed gear and original designs, all in a unique style that kick-starts a conversation and fully captivates the room.

“For a collection, RSVLTS want to have something for everyone.”

This year sees DUNGEONS & DRAGONS celebrate its 50th anniversary – and last year saw RSVLTS launch a great D&D range. I imagine you guys have plenty of brands knocking on the door, so what made D&D a good fit for you guys?
Like most of the brands we collab alongside, we have someone in our company that’s a super fan and knows the intricacies of the title inside and out! D&D is a great example, because we have quite a few players in the office, so when this amazing opportunity crossed our path, we didn’t think twice about rolling the dice and jumped right into brainstorming!

From a design perspective, what made D&D an exciting IP to create for?
The idea of getting to play in this world where there are so many iconic elements, characters and monsters really was the most exciting part of collaborating with the legendary D&D brand. And then of course taking those elements to create designs that would appeal to both a casual fan and the most hardcore dungeon master.

“Attention to detail is what the fans look for in the designs.”

What kicks off the design process of a licensed line at RSVLTS? Does it differ brand-to-brand?
It all begins with the creative brainstorm. Every Friday we bring the whole company together to pitch ideas, and all are welcome across the board, because you never know where an incredible spark can come from that can lead to an amazing design.

Absolutely. You mentioned earlier about there being several D&D fans on the RSVLTS team. Does it help to be a fan of the brands you’re designing for?
It absolutely helps to be a fan, and at RSVLTS we pride ourselves in this aspect as we’re all fans of the items and designs we develop. The little nuances hidden within the layers of the shirts, the easter eggs throughout… That attention to detail is what the fans look for in the designs and have come to expect from our gear over the years.

This line spans the subtle brand nods of your ‘Let’s Roll’ shirt to the louder ‘Monster of the Quest’. What guides the decision-making process behind choosing whether a design is ‘loud’ or subtle?
For a collection, RSVLTS want to have something for everyone. Whether you want to scream to the world “I LOVE D&D!” or wear a subtle design that gets a little wink, nod and fist bump from fellow players on the street, we have you covered.

Greg, this has been great. I have one last question… Why do you feel D&D has continued to grow and thrive across the past 50 years?
It’s simple: fantasy and friendship NEVER, ever gets old!

A lovely note to end on. Thanks again Greg.