Jeff Staple wears many hats and describing exactly what he does requires many attempts. Staple Design, founded by Jeff Staple in 1997 is composed of 3 things: a clothing collection, a creative agency, and a retail store. But it goes beyond that. Staple has provided his creative vision to everyone from LVMH to Kia - consulting and creating products that are equal parts street culture infused with high-end design/fashion.

We chatted with this prototype defined entrepreneur - and really got to know the guy behind these various hats. He let us know what’s keeping him busy and what 2010 will bring for Mr. Staple.

Check it out…

Founded in NYC in 1997 - Staple Design operates in three main categories: a clothing collection, a creative agency, and a retail store. How did this come about? Give me a little bit of background information including your career path….

It came quite naturally. I started in fashion making t-shirts at school. So Staple, as a business grew from clothing. But at the time, I was studying Communication Design…so going into the creative agency side of the business was also natural for me. Our retail store Reed Space was a logical evolution from the clothing line.

What does the Staple Collection mean to you? Why do you think you are attributed with such intense street cred?

The Staple Collection is simply what I like to wear. I don’t really follow trends or anything. It’s just what feels comfortable on me and fun at the same time. It’s usually classic with a bit of a functional twist. I don’t worry about street cred. I think once you do, you start to lose it. I just stay true to myself and I think that’s basically what street cred is all about isn’t it?

Tell us a little bit about Reed Space.

I started it 2002. I just wanted a public face to what Staple was about. A place where people could walk in and share the concept. I also didn’t want it to be all about Staple. I wanted other creators to share in it as well. I know well enough that Staple is no the be all and end all of our culture. There are a lot of amazing people doing great things so I invited them to come along for the ride.

You also consult regularly - from Nike to LVMH to Levis etc. What skills do you bring to the table when it comes to consultancy?

Honesty. A decent design eye. Accountability. A firm sense on the realities of business. And some semblance of taste. That’s really it.

How would you describe your unique approach to design and to running a small business?

I have no idea. “Simple” maybe is the word? I’ve worked with so many different companies and it’s always the added complication that makes people hate their lives. Why complicate? The quickest way from Point A to Point B is usually a straight line.

If you had to categorize yourself - how would you describe what you to to someone who is unaware?

It’s extremely difficult. That’s why now, when people ask what I do, I say I am a teacher. It’s simple. It usually bores people so they don’t ask anything else. And it’s actually true.

What new products/projects are your currently working on (that you can talk about)?

We just announced the launch of The Staple Archives with Urban Outfitters. That is very exciting to me! Other than that, you’ll have tostay tuned to my blog and twitter to keep track of what we’re up to.

Tell us a little bit about the STAPLE X CONVERSE X (RED) collab. How did this come about and what does it mean to you?

It’s our second project with Converse. Being to do design work that gives back to a cause is really awesome. It’s really what it’s all about. That’s why I call it The Positive Social Contagion.

Magazines are having a tough time right now but you just launched one. Why now? What is the mission behind your printed publication?

I don’t really have a grand plan for things. I’ve been thinking about Reed Pages for a long time and now felt like the right time to put it out. Not that I’m trying to defy what is happening in the industry or prove a point. It just felt like something the world needed and I wanted to see it as well. The mission behind Reed Pages is to capture the same inspiration you get out of coming into the store, but in print form. After all, not everyone can make it to NYC, so Reed Pages offers a vision of life through the lens of Reed and Staple.

Tell us about your new stationery line? Why did you decide to start this up?

Again…why not? Haha. I use stationary all the time. We sell a lot of stationary in Reed Space and I think the right tools are so essential to a designer. So it made sense for me to start working on my own collection. ReedWrite still in the early stages but I look forward to it’s growth.

Blackberry or Iphone? Why?

iPhone. I am enslaved to Steve Jobs. The way it syncs with my life is seamless. That’s really what a good PDA is all about. Data management.

Where do you DJ? What music are you currently really into?

I’ve semi-retired. I don’t DJ regularly anymore. It’s too taxing. I just special events here and there now. Right now I’m really into Blakroc and Mayer Hawthorne. I’ve always liked that old soul sound.

Japan- you go there a lot.  What are some cool things you’ve seen or done there recently. Any new trends or movements or crazes caught your eye?

Not really. Japan is like my 2^nd home now. I used to go there to get inspired, but now it’s more to catch up with my close friends…who are like family now. It’s interesting how when a place becomes “home”, you don’t need to find the exciting thing anymore. It’s nice, but it’s also a bit sad. I have to find new places to dig for inspiration.