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With one of the most modern, inventive shoe brands in the biz, it’s no wonder that Intentionally Blank’s founder Ty McBride is so wonderfully creative—and entirely himself. On the occasion of Pride Month, we caught up with the designer about his roots, his process, and his all-out pride.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Ty McBride, coming in hot with he/him pronouns and a very very out gay life! I was born and raised in a small town in Eastern Oregon. My hometown is famous for tater tots, and well, for me! I now split my time between Los Angeles and Hudson, New York. I founded Intentionally Blank in 2014 after getting fired from my last job for being a diva. I have an amazing team here at IB that work like mad to make my dream and goals for this brand come true.
What significance does Pride have to you as a person and as a designer?
As I have gotten older, my gayness has become more important to me. My queerness is who I am, and it is part of everything I do and create. Pride is therefore a huge source of inspiration for me. I love seeing young kids at Pride supporting their peers, their queer parents, and their own identities. Claiming pride over my life and my identity—a space that once made me feel shame and reclusiveness—has given me full authority to create, be and do however the hell I want!
What is inspiring your creative process at the moment?
I am very into this post-covid appreciation for wow moments in personal style, incorporating pops of color and just getting dressed again. Send out a group text, plan a meet up with your friends and get dressed for it, honey! I think we all realized just how much we took for granted prior to lockdown and I want to see people respecting their new boundaries—but also expressing themselves in a new time when you can feel good again, keeping it cute. I have been so happy to see my friends again, my PDX moms, my bestie Shawna, my NYC ladies, and my gays. I am inspired by those I call family.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
When and where I was raised, I never thought I could be an out queer business owner. Sometimes, I am still in a state of shock and I have to pinch myself. I am inspired by so many other queers who have such great visions that they bring to the table for the world to enjoy! Inspiration is everywhere—and I feel I am still gaining perspective, new sources of inspiration and new levels of success. I am also very grateful to my parents, my sister and my chosen family.
What’s the story behind your video project?
I wanted to drop a short note of thanks as we are midway through Pride season. I have always taken great pride in being a queer business owner in an industry that is dominated largely by white cis men. When I started, there were very few queer faces and few women in roles of power. I am happy the shoe industry has started to evolve, broaden, and grow. Through years of hard work, I am proud to have a place at the table—creating my own vision and blazing a trail with strong women, a more diverse group of creatives and LGBTQI+ business leaders, and a more well-balanced face to this industry.
Recently, I made a short film for our Pride series. Without my community, clients, fans, crew, family, and queer chosen family, I would not be who I am! If this can inspire one queer person, one young struggling person from a small town like me, then my work is done.
The name “Intentionally Blank” stems from Ty McBride's intention to make modern, interpretive styles that will become a seamless extension of an individual’s personal aesthetic. Ty also believes that every creation, a work of art or a functional shoe, should have its own point of view. Signature styles include a chunky slingback mule, a perfect slide and angular ankle boots.
