But the Israeli designer has found that his new spot in SoHo has deepened his well of inspiration.
Its inspiring without even knowing, he said.
Its in your brain.
Take the recurring oversized hook-and-eye closures, affixed to both leather and denim jackets.
Azrouel offered his own interpretation on the utilitarian clasp, mixing silver hooks and rose gold eyes.
For me its kind of unexpected, he added.
A surfer since the age of six, Azrouels work has strong ties to nature.
One major recurrence was the abstract flower motifa surprising usage of pattern from a designer so dedicated to minimalism.
Azrouels love of the ocean permeates all aspects of his business.
He also cuts down on waste by employing a made-to-order model.
We dont keep inventory on everything.
Most of the stuff is made to order, he said.
Its much more sustainable because we do everything locally.
But Azrouel insisted that he isnt looking anywhere beyond whats directly in front of him.
Honestly, Im not somebody who really follows the trends.
For me, its about the street, its about what I see here, he said.
