About the Designers

Robert Bullock & Steven Birnbaum, pictured left to right.

STEVEN BIRNBAUM was born and raised on Long Island, NY and was exposed to the arts at a very early age. He seized every possible opportunity to attend dance performances and other theatrical productions. From his teenage years and into his early twenties, Steven simultaneously studied dance and music, immersing himself into the world of theatre. Ultimately, Steven earned his degree in costume design from the New York State University at New Paltz.

Upon graduation, Steven found himself working with many Tony Award-winning costume designers and actors. Steven eventually became head costume designer for several productions making his mark in theatre industry. Exceptionally, he went on to receiving acclaim for his many talents and design visions.

In the late 1980s, Steven ventured into Evening Wear. He sold his gowns to various specialty stores across the country, branching out to custom Bridal Wear during this time and forming a new partnership called “Working Weddings”. In the early 1990s, Steven left behind the retail world to start ‘Steven Studios’. This new business prospect allowed him to work in Fashion, Theatre and Dance. He collaborated with designers Isaac Mizrahi and Fernando Sanchez, as well as some of this century’s dance icons like Twyla Tharp, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Mark Morris. Steven’s extensive and well-rounded background was the perfect match in joining forces with Robert Bullock.

Robert Bullock grew up on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Self taught with the skills of draping, pattern making and sewing, Robert always possessed a strong interest in fashion and couture. He moved to Atlanta as a teen to start designing accessories and women’s ready-to-wear for local specialty boutiques. After five years, Robert relocated to New Orleans to work as head designer for a doll manufacturing company. This position gained him impeccable knowledge in mass manufacturing and overseeing production. At age 23, Robert was commissioned to build a factory from the ground up to produce children’s clothing. This proved to be highly fulfilling personally, as well as professionally.

In 1990, Robert moved to New York and launched ‘Robert Bullock Hats’. Within the first few months, not only was he featured on the cover of Woman’s Wear Daily but was also proclaimed as one of the ‘best new up and coming designers’. Robert’s millinery line sold in Barney’s, Neiman Marcus stores and select specialty stores nationwide. Shortly thereafter, Robert ventured into menswear, launching a line at Neiman Marcus stores. Frustrated by the restrictions forced by ready-to-wear, Robert welcomed the partnership with Steven as a new venture where both talents could flourish to their ultimate potential.