You may have seen a recent wave of exclusive graphic tees flooding the Dropcents marketplace. Most likely you have been peeping 8&9 Clothing, one the most recent additions to the Dropcents brand list.
Check out the interview we did with the founders of 8&9 Clothing to get some insight on their movement and hear their thoughts on the street wear industry. Check out the interview below!
Its always great to hear how people got started, how did you get into this business?
Started in college. There was a void in the market that I wanted to fill so we jumped right in.
As a youngster, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Boston Bruins defenseman.
What was your first job?
Washing dishes in the breakfast spot. S/O Sammy J for that job. It was next to the race track, definitely wasn’t a place for a kid.
As a clothing brand where do you get your inspiration for designs? What kind of thought process goes into 8&9 Clothing collection?
Our brand is really diverse. I draw inspiration from everything street culture revolves around. Sneakers, hip hop, gangster movies, skating, pop culture and politics.
“Cultures are blending together more than ever as cities get more diverse so that’s a great thing for streetwear.”
How do you feel about “Brand Jacking” where a brand mimics the designs of another brand?
I think it’s the easy way out. I’m from an era where originality was key to respect so we’ve chosen a different path.
How did you come up with the name 8&9 Clothing ? What does it mean or stand for?
As a cross over brand we wanted a name that appeals to a wide audience and wouldn’t pigeon hole us into any specific market. You can take as much as you want away from 8&9 clothing. Each number has it’s own meaning. 8 is infinite, some say it’s to build the mentality of self and others. The number 9 symbolizes knowledge and completion.
With the explosion of social media, what do you guys do to build brand exposure? What social network is most important to 8&9 clothing?
We use social media for everything from news updates, alerting customers of discounts or new products and even customer service. People communicate differently these days and companies can either resist change or adapt. Instagram is our most powerful tool allowing us to push real time content through all of our other networks.
What is one style from the past that you wish was still popular?
I wish people would balance all styles a little better. Example, there is a time for a button up, summer days for mesh jerseys, fall nights where flannels are appropriate. A lot of our stuff is really classic. It annoys me when trends go sooo hard on one thing they forget style should be classic. I really don’t like looks you can put an exact time frame on.
What is a current trend that you cannot stand?
I’m getting pretty annoyed with animal print everything. Things like that have to be done properly and in moderation. Loud prints need balance. But, we’re going to drop a bunch of peacock stuff before the trend washes away. They have the best colors.
“Streetwear is in a great place.”
Snapback or Fitted? Why?
Fitted all day. Great question. 5 years ago almost NO ONE would wear a snap back, then everyone went so hard with it and now it’s dying again. I had my first starter snap back at like 8 years old. I don’t go back to that for a reason.
Low tops or High Tops? Why?
I have a lot of sneakers and it’s about 50/50. I like high top jordans, wingtips and boots. But I have a ton of low top sb’s, shell toes, air max 90’s and vans. It just depends on the shoe. I can’t discriminate on any sneaker until I see it.
What are your thoughts on todays street wear scene?
Streetwear is in a great place. I view it as a mix of everything that happens in an urban environment from skating to hustling. That’s the spirit of our brand streetwear as a whole. With new comers like us bringing fresh energy and vets like 10 Deep making almost Ralph Lauren quality the market is in a great place to mature and get to the multi-billion dollar level urban was on.
What do you see for the future of this industry?
Growth, better quality, more attention to detail and a bigger platform as urban continues to fade and skate kids look for more fashionable pieces. Cultures are blending together more than ever as cities get more diverse so that’s a great thing for streetwear. It’s dope. We’re ready.
What is one of the best things about being in this industry?
It’s hard to say. This is what we do and we love what we’ve built. We’ve worked with great people, traveled a lot and earned a solid level of success. We’re happy to be here with a lot more stories ahead.
What is one of the worst things about this industry?
I have no complaints. Fashion is fickle. Trends come and go. You play your cards the best way you can, stay true to your vision and the core of your brand. Then you prepare and hope for the best because tomorrow is never promised in any industry built on consumer demand.
How would you quickly describe your past 5 years in one short sentence.
Hard work, long days, sacrifice and growth.
How long is your average work day running 8&9 Clothing?
16 hours.
How many core members/employees are on the 8&9 Clothing team?
5
What sneakers did you rock as a kid?
Tom McCann and then I graduated to Avia.
What brand names were you rocking back in the day?
None until I was a teenager. Bought a pair of Van’s Half Cabs at 13 after my first pay check from washing dishes in the breakfast diner. Once I hit high school it was Polo Sport. That was back in the day!!!!
In your opinion, what other brands are on the come-up in this industry?
I like Entree’s style and approach. I definitely have a lot of respect for the hustle behind Slow Bucks.
If you had to give up your brand today and go work for a fast food joint, which fast food joint would it be?
Isn’t Chic-Fil-A closed on Sunday? I already did KFC and MCDonald’s so I’m going with them. Sunday should be a day of rest.
What will see coming from 8&9 Clothing in the future?
More lifestyle pieces. We’re developing a lot of hats, some unique twists on the cargo. Eventually we’ll get further into denim and accessories. I think there is a big void in the quality accessory market. Under lux but above what a lot of brands make in China.
What trends will be big in 2013 / 2014?
Quality. It’s been overlooked for too long. People are going to be sick of throw away tees insulting their intelligence as educated consumers. With more brands emerging thriving ones need to do better.
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