In this clothing world there are some people that are about it, and some people that are maybe not so much. Patrick Stangbye is most definitely about it.
When we say ‘about it’, we mean eat, sleep live and breathe the brand and clothing that they’re involved with, and Patrick couldn’t be more ROA if he tried. Growing up in the suburbs of Oslo, Mr Stangbye has had a healthy relationship with nature from a young age, and as he’s got older, some would argue this healthy relationship has turned into a borderline obsession…
From what we can tell, Patrick is never not outside, frequently competing in Ultra Marathons and a variety of other activities that involve moving your body pretty intensely.
He’s definitely one of the most intriguing blokes we scroll past on Instagram, and for that reason we got in touch to pick his brains about his role at ROA, design, running and what he’s going to be up to when he’s seventy years old.
Hi Patrick, how are you? Where are you? And could you provide some information about what you do?
Hey. I’m great. In Oslo currently planning some concepts for a few brand shoots. I deal with everything from conceptualizing direction for a brand to all the small things that are the touch points someone has with a brand or product. Working with designers, marketing, external photographers and architects or artists.
What did you do before what you do now?
Lots of things. I worked retail while I studied, then fashion showrooms in Paris from a young age before I visited them as a buyer. Then I worked in marketing for a while before in agencies. Did some freelance consultancy on the side doing smaller projects for brands and a few bigger ones. Always enjoyed doing research and decided to try to do more of that.
You’ve always had a keen interest in research, then. We’ve never heard of the surname Stangbye before, does it mean anything?
I’m not surprised. I’m Norwegian and the population is 5,5 million. Out of that it’s only my immediate family who has that name. A similar name is a bit more common. I’m not sure it has a proper meaning besides originating in a certain area of Norway and relating to the land in that area, which I suppose someone far back in my family must have lived on.
How has growing up in Oslo affected you and your work, specifically in regard to fashion?
I grew up 40 minutes outside of the city, in Scandinavian suburbia. I think it differs a bit from the collective understanding of American suburbia. Being Norwegian has definitely informed my work though. We have amazing landscapes and nature, with vast differences.
The climate and seasons are also very strong and you have to live with them. When it comes to fashion I think the understanding of the above informed me. I’m very interested in knitwear along with other natural functionality that has existed for a long time, together with modern performance garments.
You’re probably one of the most outdoorsy guys we follow on Instagram, do you have a favourite location to conduct outdoor activities in?
I’m very curious and I must say I’d be happy to visit most places most of the time and enjoy the different seasons and environments. If I have to pick a wide location I’d say the Alps in the summer.
Do you have a trail running event/experience that you’ve enjoyed the most?
I’m fortunate enough that the list is getting longer and longer at this point. I think running some beautiful mountain ridges in Norway and then doing the same elsewhere with good friends is an amazing experience. I also love running with dogs and get lots of joy from seeing how they enjoy it as well.
ROA seems to be going from strength to strength at the minute, no doubt due to your involvement. What can we expect to see in the future from the brand?
Thank you for that compliment. It’s definitely teamwork at its core. My job has been to put a foundation and then piece the puzzle together every season. I cannot reveal too much at this point, but we’re trying to open up for more people at different moments.
The colours on ROA gear is always great, especially on the recent Altra collab, where do you get inspiration for the colours used?
For me colour always felt very natural. I struggle with colour a lot of the time, that’s why I also put a lot of thought and care into it. Sometimes it can be too cold and industrial, but lots of hues are way too warm and cozy as well. For the Altra collab the brown comes from the soil on a trail, and the green from lichen seen on rocks.
Favourite running/trail running shoe of all time?
I see this interview is built on favourites, but in general I don’t really believe in that sort of hierarchy. There’s different tools and things for different situations and moods. I must say that the Hoka Tecton X 2.5 is probably the best long distance trail shoe currently made for racing. That being said it does not excel in technical terrain at high speed and I’d probably choose something else closer to the ground for more stability and control.
Favourite leisure shoe of all time?
I still really love the ROA loafers that we did. It’s a hybrid that now has been followed by several sneaker brands and I think they all got the balance wrong so far. I’m sure someone will follow up and do a better one. I can think of a 2.0 version myself for us.
Favourite bicycle of all time?
I’m neither very nostalgic and I first thought I’d say something here to show a sense of history. There are a few bikes I really admire, along with bike brands also for their attitude.
Early 2022 I finally got a Mosaic GT-2 built. I wanted a Titanium frame for a while and Mosaic is among the best. I could think of a few others to add to that list as well, but I’m currently very happy with it and would like to get another bike from them.
Is there anything you dislike about running?
The laundry in winter.
Besides shoes, what is the most important part of your running kit?
I’d like to say what’s on your mind, but besides that I would say a comfortable pair of shorts or a watch to monitor it all are probably the key things people want these days. In theory you don’t need that watch, but I suppose you need some legwear. Socks are also very often overlooked and something I love to find a good version of.
Will Patrick Stangbye still be running when he’s 75 years old?
My intention is fully to run when I’m 75 years old. It’s a privilege to be able to do so, and I hope I am among the people who can still run at that age. If not, I’m definitely on a bike doing some volunteer work in my local running community.
When you’re not exercising or working, what leisure activities do you engage in?
I enjoy absorbing culture. I think our most immediate understanding of culture is food. It cannot be conserved or transported over place or time in the same way as music, art, literature. I also enjoy all of those things, but I think food is important right here and now and impacts how I feel both today and tomorrow.
What can we expect to see from Patrick Stangbye in 2025 and beyond?
Currently I am happy to research, build and co-create with people who are looking in the same direction, and able to have a dialogue about topics that hold value to me.
Thanks for chatting, Patrick!
To see what Patrick is up to, click here.
To see what ROA is up to, click here.
