Brain Dead Competitors

Established in 2011, Kith is a leading lifestyle brand and progressive retail concept that’s celebrated globally for its ability to tell stories, evoke nostalgia, and connect product to the passion it’s woven with. Now in its eleventh year of business, Kith has in-house apparel lines for men, women, and children, an ice cream parlor in every flagship, a full-service restaurant, and a retail footprint in three continents. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Kith Founder Ronnie Fieg rose the ranks from 13-year-old stock boy at footwear franchise David Z. to the company’s chief buyer, earning him a profound understanding of the retail landscape and a network of powerful brand relationships. As the brand’s CEO and Creative Director, Fieg is known for his ability to create premium products and deliver unparalleled experiences, with a personal philosophy of giving the consumer more than what they pay for. Using Kith as a vehicle, Fieg has applied his signature lens to an impressive list of collaborators, including Coca-Cola, Nike, Versace, BMW and many others.

In 2009, we took the stance to reimagine what was once a stagnant staple and transform socks into one of fashion’s most exciting accessories. By unlocking the creative potential of an open canvas too often overlooked, we ignited a worldwide cultural movement that has attracted visionary artists, athletes and icons to embrace our positive message of individuality, movement and self-expression. In the years since, our vision has expanded from toe to head with a full line of colorful apparel styles for a life in motion… because why should feet have all the fun? Through a bold combination of technological innovation, superior comfort and fresh artistic design that has become the foundation of our brand, Stance apparel can now be found in over 40 countries for anyone looking to defy convention. We are Stitched Different®.

OBEY Clothing was founded on the art, design and ideals of Shepard Fairey. What started for Fairey with an absurd sticker he created in 1989 while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design has since evolved into a worldwide street art campaign, as well as an acclaimed body of fine art. The OBEY campaign is rooted in the Do It Yourself counterculture of punk rock and skateboarding, but it has also taken cues from popular culture, commercial marketing and political messaging. Fairey steeps his ideology and iconography in self-empowerment. With biting sarcasm verging on reverse psychology, he goads viewers, using the imperative “obey,” to take heed of the propagandists out to bend the world to their agendas. OBEY Clothing was formed in 2001 as an extension of Shepard’s range of work. Aligned with his populist views, clothing became another canvas to spread his art and message to the people. The clothing is heavily inspired by classic military design, work wear basics, as well as the elements and cultural movements Shepard has based his art career on. Through designers Mike Ternosky and Grace Lee, Shepard works to create designs that represent his influences, ideals and philosophy. OBEY is about variety and experience, thinking about your surroundings and questioning the purpose. The medium is the message.