Two former club bouncers are the creative force behind HBO’s fashion-drenched series, How to Make It in America. The show tells the story of two would-be street wear fashion designers trying to be the next big industry thing. To make the series authentic, the series’ producers hired real-life design partners Kurt & Bart (first names only, please…) to recreate the look of Manhattan street cool.

Before gaining notoriety as Hollywood costumers, Kurt & Bart worked as doormen at the M.K. nightclub, a New York hot spot in the late 1980s. Although they quickly moved on to other pursuits, manning the door exposed them to the constantly evolving fashion trends of Manhattan’s youth.

Kurt and Bart both grew up in Denver but didn’t meet until they were both attending college at the University of Colorado. They became immediate friends, sharing as they did a love of making their own clothes, dressing up, and going out to clubs. Although not romantically involve, they have been roommates for 25 years.

They moved to New York to pursue some kind of a career in fashion but were open to exposing themselves to a variety of experiences. After their stint as bouncers, they found work at an animation company where they learned about movie production. From there they started designing costumes for films and styling for TV and print ads, as well as music videos. They have worked with performers including Britney Spears and Marilyn Manson.

To keep their How to Make It in America designs authentic, the duo spends hours just walking the streets and riding the subways of Manhattan, to see what sort of designer dresses and fashion looks its young denizens are wearing. The time between filming and airing is minimal to prevent the trends depicted from being dated. The series also uses a number of actual venues that are currently considered top hot spots. So for those fashionistas and hipsters who want to stay ahead of the street wear curve, check out Kurt and Bart’s designs every Sunday, starting Oct 2nd.