I'm from the Seattle area and that is where Jeepney is currently located
Describe fashion, where you are based at?
Fashion to me is a personal statement by each individual to show the world something creative about themselves without actually saying any words. We are based in Seattle
What’s the start-up story for Jeepney ?
I started Jeepney in 2003 when I owned a graphic design firm (actually there was only 3 of us but it sounds cooler when I say firm) and I designed some tees for a local community event. They sold out in a few hours so my business partners and I decided to make more tees and it basically snowballed after that....so much that in 2006, we dropped the design "firm" and started doing Jeepney full time. We stared doing tradeshows in 2005 (Pool, Agenda, etc) and MAGIC in 2006 so we were around when the whole “streetwear” boom was just getting popular.
Being in business for yourself what are the pros and cons?
- The pros is the freedom to do what you want, the cons is not having the money to do what you want! So finding that middle ground is the hardest part which is why budgeting and forecasting where you will spend your money (even a year before) is extremely important.
- What were some of the biggest challenges for growing Jeepney in its early years?
- Definitely finding the funding to help us expand. We would borrow money from friends and family but that can only go so far. We were fortunate enough to find some investors at the right time because I know that would be extremely difficult to find these days.
Now Jeepney well Jeepneys by dentition are the most popular means of public
transportation in the Philippines.They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are well known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have also become a symbol of Philippine culture.
That being said how does Jeepneys play a part in Jeepney Clothing?
Well - the owners and many of the designers are all Filipino so that definitely plays a part in the cultural part. As far as the clothing itself, each Jeepney truck has it's own distinct look and design and that's what we try to convey with our graphics and brand: for each person to have their own look and to embrace their individuality.
Ok now if you owned a Jeepney describe to us how your Jeepney would look?
Yo, my Jeepney would have Hydraulics, but with 13” fake hub cap spinners that you can get for like $50 and it could transform into a taco truck. Yo that would be dope! I could make money while I’m rolling, you know? I don’t think I could turn the hydraulics on though while I’m cooking the carne asada burritos – that would be dangerous
You know, the number of true connoisseurs in fashion remains more or less the same. There are those who originate with benefit, opposite those who imitate with counterfeit. Though in streetwear, everyone eats at the same table. Having the wherewithal of this, how do you handle something so personal without becoming plastic? Honestly, I think those who truly stay to their vision – somehow the universe or God just finds somehow to reward them. Those who imitate on purpose will be seen for who they are no matter what. Don’t get me wrong though, there are instances where brands designs start looking similar unintentionally just because as designers, we are all influenced by pop culture.
Jeepney seems like it is all about positive undertones. How do you react when people hate on your products? People hate on our products? Show them to me!!! Just kidding….Yeah, we like to have a sense of humor around here and we really don’t pay attention to hating in general. We’re all positive dudes and girls around here so there’s no time to even think about anything negative. When we first started getting recognition, just with any with success, sometimes there would be some comments here and there on the web and we would respond but that never leads to anything. So to answer your question, we just don’t pay no mind.
For some of the up and coming brands, what are some of the overlooked tasks that you had to complete during start-up that they may not be aware of but definitely need to know about? Plan and focus! I can’t stress that enough. With start ups and entrepreneurs in general, we have a tendency to get bored and we want to start another project (whether it be cut/sew, another line, etc) before our first product has even become perfected or profitable. I would say to make sure your operations, income, and planning is on point first before you start exploring more projects that could eventually be more of a distraction than a benefit.
What new ideas and concepts has Jeepney brought to the world of fashion? Yo – we invented t-shirts, you didn’t know?!!! Just playin. Honestly, one of our main goals is to introduce something of the Filipino culture to the world (without being too “in your face” or cheesy) and I think we are doing that to a certain extent. Even if it just starts with people asking what a Jeepney is….That already starts the conversation. Also, by no means did we start with girls on our tees (cause I know FUCT use to do it in the 90’s and Fiberops, Mishka, etc were also doing it when they first started) but we were going full force with it already in 2004. It’s just crazy seeing how everyone is doing it now and I’m not even sure if the streetwear customer knows how long we’ve actually been doing it.
What are some of the themes behind the 2008 collection?
Some of the main themes that came out in 2008 was
- our Puss N Beats collection: the combination of music and sexy ladies
- Our Halloween tee: Natural Born Thriller Tee – it’s a combination of Natural Born Killers, Nightmare on Elm St and Michael Jackson (it’s pretty funny and dope)
- Our THINK BIG tee: with Big L, Big Pun and Biggie (sorry, we had to do at least one shirt with Biggie on it)
Tell us a little about the Jeepney Tribute collection?
The Tribute Line was us going back to what Jeepney represented on our original tees: basically a play on pop culture. We had tees like: Still Shinin where it’s a pic of Jack from the Shining with some gold fronts on his teeth, Doughboy: The Pillsburry doughboy but it looked like doughboy from boyz n the hood and Hood Old Days: a collage of some of the best L.A gang movies from the 90’s
Your clothes appear to be worn by both men and women of various ages. Is there one specific age group that you have in mind when you design your products? We don’t try to be too specific as far as an age range but we do notice that it’s more of the high school and college age. I guess my Grandma wouldn’t feel comfortable in a Bluntz, Booze and Bitchez tee!
Any last words
“Yay Obama!”
Vist Jeepney at Jeepneyclothing.com
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