Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein, the duo behind the label Timo Weiland, met three years ago when they each abandoned their jobs to pursue design (they had previously been in the finance and music industries, respectively). Earlier this month, they were selected for the CFDA's second-ever Fashion Incubator Program. They're currently preparing for their first runway show after five seasons of showing presentations at New York Fashion Week. We chatted with the designers about the trends they're into, celebrities with great style, and their love of chambray.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?
TW: There’s an adventure element, lots of outdoor. It’s not necessarily like hiking gear. For example, this season, we really looked to classic surf-trip attire. If you’re a New York artist in the 1960s and you’re going on a surf trip, how would you have dressed?
AE: I think we're quirky. We used to say we're a return to the art of dressing. And I thought that was a little cheesy for a second, but I think it's really true. We really, really care about the way people dress themselves. And we have this return to this layering, this fun. I think our girl and guy are cool, but also they don’t take it too seriously.

What does the CFDA Incubator Program mean for your business?
TW: It's like being in school, in the sense of the support system and the educational aspect of it. Just being in the company of other brands that are in the process of growing, and in transitional places.

What trends are out there right now that you like?
AE: I love that people are actually wearing colors this summer. I also love the crunched-up look for men; blazers that can be scrunched up, nothing that's super tailored. A little bit more casual — kind of throw-over-your-shirt, something really easy.
TW: I love the return of chambray shirts. Not that they ever went out in my book, but there are so many ways to wear a chambray shirt, and you always look and feel really handsome.

Are there any trends that you wish would go away?
AE: I think sandals with socks for men is a little tough. I'm also tired of the overall trend of celebrity culture — I wish people would dress for themselves.
TW: I don’t like sheer on men. Really, anything sheer is just kind of tacky.

Are there any celebrities that you think have particularly good style?
AE: Alexa Chung is really awesome. A lot of our favorite bands have awesome style. It's rare though. Our friend Tennessee Thomas has great style, and Emma Stone. I think Elle Fanning has some great style. A lot of the new, young girls are really cute. I think they're super adorable and they look they're dressing themselves. There are a lot of celebrities who really don’t look like they're dressing themselves; they look like a product instead of a personality.

How would you describe your own style?
TW: Definitely there's a lot of leisure elements. At this point in my life, I'm not a man of leisure, although a lot of my friends are so I take cues from them. I spend twenty hours a day working, but at least my wardrobe is relaxed.

So who are some of your favorite fashion designers?
AE: I definitely love Phoebe Philo for Céline; she makes the sexiest womenswear in the world, minimal and kind of androgynous but really feminine clothes. I also love Kim Jones, who designs menswear for Louis Vuitton — I think he added a really fun twist, which is really hard for a luxury house. We also love Proenza Schouler. They're definitely the coolest male designers.

Where do you shop in New York?
AE: A lot of vintage stores. I shop in our closet, I guess. I shop at Odin and Opening Ceremony. Barneys is great, but I can't really afford any of these things right now.
TW: I love Steven Alan, Star Struck Vintage, Beacon's Closet, and Buffalo Exchange.

What's one item every man and every woman should have in her closet?
AE: Chelsea boots. I think Chelsea boots are so great on guys and I think they're so cute on girls.
TW: I love a girl or a guy in a chambray shirt.