Shep and Ian Murray were miserable. Their New York City office jobs were a far cry from the lives they had envisioned during a childhood spent accompanying their journalist parents to destinations in Africa, Italy and Anguilla. So it was only fitting that on a trip back to that same island paradise, they developed an escape plan. “We were talking to a friend of ours, telling him about an idea we had to sell neckties,” Shep says. “He said, ‘What’s stopping you?’ ” The brothers accepted the challenge, and
vineyard vines was born.
As we visit different destinations, we try to put them into our clothes.
Nearly 20 years later, Shep and Ian’s passion project has become a household name, synonymous with apparel that’s equal parts polished and whimsical. “We started making ties first because we couldn’t find ones that were colourful, fun and well-made,” Ian says. The inspiration? Their many travels – past and present.
Having discovered Anguilla as boys, the brothers pay homage to their beloved vacation spot – and site of the brand’s inception – with the tongue-in-cheek Rum Runner Tie, featuring a runaway rum barrel.
“I caught my first sailfish in Costa Rica, and it ignited my love of fishing,” Ian says. “It inspired me to take Shep fishing in the Florida Keys for his bachelor party. Since then, boating and fishing have been a huge part of our lives and our brand.”
“Everyone and everything in Austin – from the live music to the barbecue – embodies the ‘Every day should feel this good’ motto,” Shep says. “It’s hard not to have a good time when you’re there.”
A beloved sweatshirt from a childhood ski trip to Switzerland 30 years ago became the prototype for one of the brand’s bestselling items: The Shep Shirt.
On where their travels will take them next: “Our family visited Italy together when we were kids, but we never made it to Florence,” Shep says. “Our parents loved it there, so we’re looking forward to seeing what it’s all about.”
“As we visit different destinations, we try to put them into our clothes,” Shep says. “It’s an emotional thing. Every season, we take our customers somewhere new and introduce them to the landscape and people.”
As the place where it all began, the small Caribbean island of Anguilla remains near to their hearts. “The pace is slower, the beach days are a little longer, and the vibe is a little more barefoot and casual,” Ian says. “There’s an authenticity about it that we love.” The brothers aim to infuse each of their products with that same feeling, in particular using playful patterns with images of martinis, golf clubs and Windsurfers.
“‘Every day should feel this good’ is our way of life,” Shep says. “It’s a reminder not to take life too seriously, and it means different things to different people.”
Ian (left) and Shep Murray, the founders of vineyard vines
Created in partnership with vineyard vines
