Fashion – Loftee Apparel

June 25, 2012 in Fashion

We love bringing you some of the most dope brands & stores around the world. Holding things down in the indie fashion industry we’ve got a clothing brand based out of Rochester, New York by the name of The Loftee Apparel. Now relax as we get to know Loftee Apparel a little more and how they started out in the industry.

Clothing line name: Loftee Apparel
City/State: Rochester, NY
Established date: May 2009
Website: www.Loftee.bigcartel.com

Price range for clothing: $2-$40
Where to buy your clothing: www.Loftee.bigcartel.com

So tell us about your brand?

- It’s a self funded, onslaught of pop culture, skate culture, and (::) ever changing and upgrading towards making apparel by me for me. Just kidding. Just last part though. I wear my line, not to promote it, but because I like it. I aim to please, and try to make something for everyone.

How did you come up with the name?

- I told my friend, and band mate Jordan Bork, about my plans to make a clothing line. My first designs were 5-7 colors, and he had had some background in screen printing and such. Already in a tight spot with money and backing, he told me the idea was a little lofty. And since it was going to be primarily a tee shirt company, it all just made sense.

What were you doing before launching your brand?

- Before, during, and currently, I do roofing and siding. It pays the bills, keeps me busy, and helps me acquire the funds I need to keep the ball rolling.

When did you begin thinking about launching your own clothing brand?

- I was thinking of doing this, just a little before I started. We were already hanging out in print shops getting band merch, and I figured, “what the hell? Im game.”

What best describes your line & who is it targeted to?

- I’m a scenester/skater Facebook junkie. Not to completely park myself in that garage, but generally. I make these clothes because I like them. People like me and people totally unlike me dig it. That makes me happy. I’m a man-child, myself, so I feel like it starts at teens, and ends with people like me =)

What influenced you to start this line?

- I love clothes. I’ve bought stuff I dont even wear. I like the style, the unity of a generation. I wanted to be a part of it. As I got started, I was totally wowed by companies like Johnny Cupcake, that started small, with the help of close friends and family, and grew into a business that took care of them financially. My parents worked hard all their lives, I’d like to reach a point one day where I can do for them, all they’d done for me over the years.

Are there any challenges you run into while running a business?

- Money, money, money. There’s never enough. I have more ideas, wishes, and things I’d like to do with Loftee, than I have money for. It’s all a push. I always have to decide what to do first. It sucks to be completely all in with your money. Most companies have loans, and backers. I’m self funded.

What ways did you find promoting your brand worked?

- My band plays a lot of shows out here, and though that, we’ve made connections with other local bands, and promoters. They’ve been kind enough to let me set up a merch booth at shows and peddle my wares. Though that I’ve connected with a lot of people who dig the line in person. Its helped me be more out going as well. On the internet, I live on Facebook and other social media sites. I’ll spend hours chatting with people about Loftee, music, skating, the newest gadgets and just about anything else that gets me going. People are the center of retail, advertising is just fireworks.

Any last shout outs?

- My band This A.M. Static. Jordan Bork, my front man who’s been by my side helping me get where I need to be. My parents for supporting my dreams. RT booking for letting me set up at concerts….(more like this)