The Brooklyn Circus is a brand that is dedicated to telling the story of style throughout American history.
With a focus on the power of presentation and the importance of context, BKc is revolutionizing the way we think about menswear. From the construction of their varsity jackets to the looms where their denim is woven, every aspect of the brand is carefully curated to reflect a moment in time.
Ouigi Theodore, the Creative Director of The Brooklyn Circus, has cultivated a unique style that has garnered recognition not only among the fashion pundits of New York but also from streetwise fans as far away as Europe, South Africa, Japan, Korea, and the U.K.
We caught up with him to learn more about the brand’s inspiration and hear about their ambitious 100-Year Plan to change the way Americans dress, one iconic silhouette at a time.
What inspired the creation of The Brooklyn Circus?
We started The Brooklyn Circus in 2006 on the heels of another retail concept I launched a few years prior.
When I closed that business, I considered leaving retail but gave it a last shot and that was when The Brooklyn Circus was born. We launched The Brooklyn Circus in Feb of 2006 and never looked back. I am heavily inspired by humans—our drive, our will to exist, and the things we do to live and thrive.
How would you describe your brand?
The brand is a living organism, a conversation, and an experiment of sorts. With the varsity jacket at the heart of what we do, you can always see cues of scholastic and athletic references in the work.
Everything that we do is anchored in our history, our victories, and our struggles as a people. I have a history degree and studied graphic design, so you’ll always see the intersection of those things coming together in the stories we tell through our work.
It’s the heart of The Brooklyn Circus/BKc, our 100-year plan, and our essence.
How do you want people to feel when they wear your creations?
It’s more about the experience and the community and of course the product which ultimately is a souvenir of the experience. People see the pride, joy, and attention to detail we put into our work. From the store experience up to the actual product.
What differentiates your brand from others?
That’s a pretty broad question. We understand the competitive landscape but try not to dwell on that too much. We absolutely research who and what’s out there for sure to understand who is moving the needle. That said, I’d have to say what has differentiated us in the market is our commitment to Style + Character and The 100yr plan for sure.
What are your future goals for your brand?
Our goal for the next 5 years of the 84 years we have on this 100yr journey is more retail experiences, and expansion into media, hospitality, and education. Build and open Universities and libraries to share The Brooklyn Circus/BKc approach to the history, design, and movement of Jah people.
What advice do you have for creatives trying to get into the industry?
Research, research, research. And be honest about your intentions and approach to everything you do. Work on things and ideas that will outlast you.
by Tony O. Lawson
Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin
The post The Brooklyn Circus: Crafting a Legacy in American Style appeared first on SHOPPE BLACK.
