Def Jux clothing will be available from AlwaysUrban ASAP. When its ready, you’ll find it here.

Winners of Brand Battle III, Ropeadope, are now available on alwaysurban.

Check out the summer tee line, and look forward to new designs in the next few months.

Tell us about how you came up with the name of your brand?

There’s 2 parts to the name. More so formulated from part 2.

1. As I grew as an artist in college and started putting my paintings in front of people I didn’t want the attention on me, but instead I wanted the attention on my art itself and what I had come up with. One night my roommate and I were painting and I signed one “someone.” From then on I’ve signed all my paintings “someone.”

2. I’ve always loathed how the media and society focus way too much on fame, image, money, celebrities, and paying certain people a ridiculous amount of money for certain things they do when they could be paid a little less and others could be paid a little more who could really use it, making a big difference. Instead I wanted/want to change the views and shine the limelight on people who are often neglected such as, the homeless, people like my mentally-retarded friend Wally Haynes, teachers, starving artists, kids, etc.

You are someone. I am someone. She is someone. He is someone.

Tell us about how you came up with your logo?

We really don’t have a logo, because I wanted our brand to be way more art driven and a lot less of logo after logo and variations of that same logo jammed in your face. The “logo” that we kind of use is my signature. The same signature I’ve used on my paintings since day 1.

What should your fans/customers know about your brand that they might not know?

Our company is owned and operated by myself and my partner. After starting the company with $500 we have put our hearts into this dream and have grown into a highly respectable company. Also, as we grow, we will head up fund-raising efforts and rehabilitation efforts for the homeless, thus giving them clothing and teaching them a trade to further their chances in future job searches and life.

What should your fans/customers know about your current line/designs that they might not know?

Our “MONKEYARMS” series! This series is a collection of clothing done by myself that are pieces of clothing which is never-seen-again wearable art. Never duplicated, 1 of 1 shirts. This gives people the option of wearing something that no one else is. This series is even more limited than Nike Dunks or whatever else that is out there like that. With the amount of designs, ink color options, shirt color options, painting styles using screen-print ink, and shirt sizes, every customer is guaranteed to have nothing like the next guy or girl.

What inspired you to start your company?

$500 and a vision. A vision of creating clothes that aren’t like anything out there. I think the clothing industry is mostly over-saturated with the same look.

What inspired you to start designing?

I’ve always designed since age 4, I was just a beginner then. When I got through 2 years of college I didn’t know what else to pick for a major, so I was kind of forced to paint and find myself a style. Once I got going I just continued something that was already there, something that was already in me. To answer the question, my life inspires me. The people, the conversations, the observations, the events, the etc.

Do you remember when you first realized that design/fashion design would be what you did professionally?

To be honest… When I got fired from my job as a salesperson in a local skateboard and snowboard shop. I was already in that kind of industry, my friend and I had already started the company, but when I was fired it had lit a fire, I was fired up (no puns intended). That was my opportunity to do something I’ve always loved and had a passion for.

What can you say that might convince someone to never buy clothes at the mall again?

Keep it small and keep it simple. Buy product from people who are passionate about that product and know what it’s all about, not from a person who are somewhat trained to sell and primarily meet sales goals. Don’t try to buy a snowboard DVD from a salesperson who doesn’t know, from their own products they are selling, which DVDs are skateboarding and which are snowboarding. Buy product from a company whose owner is happy to talk to you about the product or whatever else.

Tell us about how you came up with the name of your brand?

It just came to me. “Yours Truly” how the clothes come to you and who it’s worn by.

Tell us about how you came up with your logo?

Heart Lock represents the truth.

What should your fans/customers know about your brand that they might not know?

It’s the SHIT!

What should your fans/customers know about your current line/designs that they might not know?

It involves some sick cut and sew pieces that I’m sure you’ve never seen before.

What inspired you to start your company?

My Life.

What inspired you to start designing?

My Life.

Do you remember when you first realized that design/fashion design would be what you did professionally?

This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was young, maybe 10 or so. I realized at NYC’s fashion week when I was working the Moet Lounge that I had to do this.

What can you say that might convince someone to never buy clothes at the mall again?

Support independent shit! It’s just real. I’ve seen the designers that work for those big brands, they are sooo lame.

Tell us about how you came up with the name of your brand?

Project TransAction started as an art/life project dealing with independent business and bartering. To me it’s more than a business, it’s an ongoing artwork and study of how indie businesses work in the current time and economy.

Tell us about how you came up with your logo?

The fly that is used on TransAction logos is a signature that can and will be used in the near future as a tag on everything related to the project. Because we have eyes everywhere!

What should your fans/customers know about your brand that they might not know?

Project TransAction is a one-person company that strives to make eco-friendly, informed decisions about all aspects of promotion and manufacturing. We Care.

What should your fans/customers know about your current line/designs that they might not know?

All items are handmade in a minimal shop atmosphere from start to finish. I trained as a screenprinter after graduating from MassArt and am a self-taught leathercrafter. These products are all made with love and attention to detail.

What inspired you to start your company?

My artistic nature doesn’t lend itself too well to working for other people. I felt like I was giving up too much of myself and decided that I needed to call the shots. To make my life more fulfilling, I started Project TransAction.

What can you say that might convince someone to never buy clothes at the mall again?

Buying from independent artists/designers is a way to combat the big box businesses that are destroying the economy- especially in the suburbs and small towns. By buying directly from an independent artist, you are using your money (power) to support REAL people, not corporations. This makes things a little bit better for the average joe, and the more people who use their money this way, the more power we have to stay creative and autonomous.

Tell us about how you came up with the name of your brand?

It was fun to say.

Tell us about how you came up with your logo?

through a painstaking process of simplification, the same process that everything at Ropeadope goes through.

What should your fans/customers know about your brand that they might not know?

We’re a record label, a music blog, a web site. You’ve probably seen our brand on stage at your favorite show.

What should your fans/customers know about your current line/designs that they might not know?

one of these is about to become your favorite shirt.

What inspired you to start your company?

boredom

What inspired you to start designing?

looking at the crap at the store.

What can you say that might convince someone to never buy clothes at the mall again?

ummm, hopefully you never have. but if you did, you can find forgiveness right here. the mall is not a place, it’s the matrix. if you don’t believe in it, it will not be there.

Tell us about how you came up with the name of your brand?

Its origin is from good old deuces bmx team. Felt the hardcore name fit well for the type of art we were looking for, it just kinda worked out well.

Tell us about how you came up with your logo?

I had envisioned a design with all types of crazy things flying out of a busted skull, it turned out to be a really great design. Although it didn’t work so great for a logo so we modified it a bit with some text and it’s still a awesome logo although im still working on a finalized logo.

What should your fans/customers know about your brand that they might not know?

my bottom line is im looking to offer some quality art, quality tshirts. And ultimately I want to offer my customers a solid sense of community on our website.

What should your fans/customers know about your current line/designs that they might not know?

Our artists come from all over the world, each brining with them some very unique designs/styles.

What inspired you to start your company?

late nights working up tees for deuce, and the lack of a hardcore design competition.

What inspired you to start designing?

I cant draw for bananas… I’m pretty decent @ Photoshop I been doing it since i was like 12.

Do you remember when you first realized that design/fashion design would be what you did professionally?

No clue.. Seems as tho whenever I get into something I always take it to the highest level and just keep getting deeper and deeper into an area. In the end I wind up crossing all kinds of paths and wearing all different kinds of hats along the way.

What can you say that might convince someone to never buy clothes at the mall again?

Go online and have 1000000000 options to choose from. Goto the mall and you got 5-10 stores to choose from.. Need I say more!? :P

Any, shout outs, plugs?

Thanks to all of our Artists as well as the bloggers who support us! Special thanks to Paul “The Printer”, Zach “the perv” Photographer, and Coaster Brakes “Deuce Almighty” most importantly Rammy and Charles who got this project off the ground!

Extra thanks to all of those who purchase our shirts and support us!

Tell us about how you came up with the name of your brand?

Me and my partner Dion were doing a men’s t-shirt line back in 2003 when we were freshman in college. We thought it would be a great idea if we did something for the ladies as well somewhat like a spin off of our men’s line. We wanted a name that would be catchy,a powerful word and one that we could redefine through our vision. After hours of brainstorming, we decided on Syditty. The word “saddidy” was normally used as a slang term that often described women who were arrogant, conceited, and/or self-centered. Our goal for Syditty was to erase all negative connotations previously associated with the word and have it mean something positive for women. We plan to change the way the world views, appreciates, and embraces women worldwide.

Tell us about how you came up with your logo?

One of our former designers actually came up with the logo. She was already feeling the name of our brand and our vision behind it. When she showed us the final version of logo, we really fell in love with the concept even more because it was something that was very catchy to us. In addition, we felt the logo was a logo that would stick out in the minds of our peers when they saw it.

What should your fans/customers know about your brand that they might not know?

One of the ways we feel that makes our brand special and unique from our competitors is a concept we created called “HerStory.” When women purchase our merchandise we want them to feel and look a certain way. Each design has a compelling story to go along with it. The HerStory concept will serve as daily inspiration for women and will teach integrity, courage, and strength. All of our tees include a personal “HerStory” hangtag that will be featured as a keepsake item for the customer.

What should your fans/customers know about your current line/designs that they might not know?

One of the ways we feel that makes our brand special and unique from our competitors is a concept we created called “HerStory.” When women purchase our merchandise we want them to feel and look a certain way. Each design has a compelling story to go along with it. The HerStory concept will serve as daily inspiration for women and will teach integrity, courage, and strength. All of our tees include a personal “HerStory” hangtag that will be featured as a keepsake item for the customer.

What inspired you to start your company?

What inspired me and my partners to start Syditty was simply women and just doing something that we could leave our imprint and legacy in the world. Women are our inspiration and this is our way of saying thank you and they are truly appreciated.

What inspired you to start designing?

My role isn’t exactly designing. I normally handle the marketing/promotions and the business aspect of Syditty. In terms of designing, usually my partners Justin and Dion are in charge of that. We have worked with some terrific designers in the past who have assisted in bringing the Syditty vision to life.

Do you remember when you first realized that design/fashion design would be what you did professionally?

If you would of told me when I was in high school that I would be developing a clothing line, I wouldn’t have believed it. I always respected and admired fashion but I never knew I would be involved with it. However, I enjoy and love what I do and I wouldn’t trade it in for anything. Hard work is starting to pay off with Syditty and it’s a true blessing.

What can you say that might convince someone to never buy clothes at the mall again?

If I had to try and convince someone to never buy clothes at the mall again I would tell them they should of shop on our website at www.sydittyclothing.com along with on-line retailer such as Always Urban. The benefits to shopping on-line is you can shop whenever you want to no matter what time of day. You may also catch great deals on-line as well that you might not find in the store. In addition, you also avoid long lines and some of the merchandise that is available on-line by a certain brand may not be available in a particular store. So having exclusivity with your products is great benefit as well.

Any, shout outs, plugs?

I most definitely want to give praises to God for continuing to make everything possible for myself and business partners. We have been truly blessed and fortunate to be where we are. I also want to shout-out my business partners Justin Williams and Dion Lockridge who work very hard on a daily basis. Last but not least, I want to thank everyone who has supported and purchased Syditty and all of the stores who gave us in opportunity. You are truly appreciated.

What do you like most about doing Syditty?

Well besides meeting and networking with women, I would say traveling and your peers telling you they appreciate what you do.

How long have you been in business?

We have been in business since 2003. However, once me and my partner Justin graduated from college in 2007 we really were able to devote more of our time to it.

Where do you see Syditty in five years.

I see Syditty as a huge commodity in five years. I see Syditty opening the doors to other ventures for us and allowing us to be able to live comfortably and provide for our families.

If you wasn’t involved with Syditty, what would you be doing?

Something related to sports because I truly love basketball and football.

Anything special coming up for Syditty right now.

Yes, look out for our Women’s History Month Campaign that we’re doing through our website where we are honoring different women’s organizations and influential women across the world who have made and are making history. It’s something truly that is going to be HUGE for us going forward and for everyone involved. Check it out at www.sydittyclothing.com for the month of March 2009 and beyond.

Tell us about how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name originated from the thought of what people tend to do whenever things are going wrong or bad or good in that fact. People usually say, “just keep going don’t stop”, or “don’t worry it will work”. Essentially what that person is doing is breathing on to keep trying to accomplish their goals or aspirations. Every single person in this world literally needs to Breathe On to Live On.

Tell us about how you came up with your logo?

The logo honestly is just text that fit the style of the line. We are building on it and obviously always trying to better ourselves but until then the line simplistic so that is why the line follows in that same direction.

What should your fans/customers know about your brand that they might not know?

The line is actually run, produced, marketed, and everything that encompasses running the business out of my apartment and I am a full-time student along with being on scholarship for soccer at a Division 1 school! Pretty crazy but goes to show you that anything can be reality if you dream it.

What should your fans/customers know about your current line/designs that they might not know?

There is a range of about 9-10 designs that will be coming out this Spring along with stock still in some older designs.

What inspired you to start your company?

I was part of the music industry for a while touring in a band and always being the artistic one in the band drawing up the merch to CD designs I saw that money was very hard to come by. The band made good money but not the kind that I needed to feel secure so I thought back to when I used to draw up designs in high school throughout my classes and got the idea of starting a line. I had some previous accounting work with other bigger clothing lines and saw the life and overall lifestyle of owning your own line and I feel in love. Now I draw designs in my college classes! Haha.

What inspired you to start designing?

What really inspired me was seeing the success of fellow colleagues and friends with owning their own companies and being artistic just kind of cemented the idea in my head. My major is accounting in college but I love being able to express myself so I started the line with high hopes.

Do you remember when you first realized that design/fashion design would be what you did professionally?

Yeah I do actually. It was very recently actually. Once I started to sell a couple of designs and see the reaction of my friends it felt like a huge weight because I am knew I was doing something I loved. The biggest most awesome feeling that made me call all of my friends was seeing the feelings of complete strangers. That instilled in me that I could take this line from where it is and expand it to no limits.

What can you say that might convince someone to never buy clothes at the mall again?

Haha great question! This is one big thing that I always used to say and was a reason why I started the line. If you shop at the mall there is a good chance you are shopping at a more known store because you know they have quality goods. Well I used to see a new design come out in a store like PacSun and the next day 10 kids in my high school would have that same shirt or hoodie on and they would think they are so unique but really what everyone sees before they talk to them is the same outfit as 9 other kids. So that is one reason why I make the designs I do. Because I want your friend to ask, “Yo man where’d you get that shirt?” and you can reply proudly with whatever answer you want. You could say I’m not telling you, but tell them to check the website as least, haha.

Any, shout outs, plugs?

Yeah my girlfriend Susie who has supported me and kept me centered through crazy times with the line. My buddy Eric who helped me start it up! My dad for not wanting me to do the line at all and came to the realization that it wasn’t just a summer job and I was serious. And my mom for being mom and helping by handing flyers out at her hair dressers, haha good times.

Where are you based out of?

Vineland, NJ (small town) but awesome!

Where do you go to college?

Rider University

What is your website address?

www.breatheonapparel.com

Tell us about how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name Acropolis is a metaphor for greatness and homage to the world renowned Acropolis of Athens. It is the home to a building complex of the most important structures and temples in ancient Greek society and was the birthplace of democracy which led to free thinking and individualism. The Acropolis is the pinnacle of society and represents achievement and greatness. It is the culmination of the art, music, theater and athletics or simply – the culture, of society.

Tell us about how you came up with your logo?

The Acropolis logo is a pyramid because it ties in with the theme of the brand – the ancient fused with the modern. Also, the Acropolis is the pinnacle of society and an elevated state of achievement. The pyramids of Egypt are some of the most iconic and timeless structures that mankind has created and like the Acropolis, the pyramid comes to a precise point, a pinnacle.

What should your fans/customers know about your brand that they might not know?

That Acropolis is 100% committed to providing the best possible products that are of a high quality in terms of manufacturing, but equally importantly, they are of a thoughtful process of equally high quality.

What should your fans/customers know about your current line/designs that they might not know?

Something they might not know is the upgrades that we have made to our production. Everything from the garments to the inks used to the tags is of a higher quality than our previous print runs. It’s all about evolving and progressing.

What inspired you to start your company?

I would say the need to provide the streetwear market with something new and refreshing that was still dope and meaningful was a major factor. Mixing the old with the new in this style reasulted in a differnet way of thinking of standard ideas and we added some flave to them.

What inspired you to start designing?

Seeing other lines and some of the stuff they were putting out. Some of it was ill and some was super wack. I saw a lot of mindless, recycled shit and wanted to bring something new to the table.

What can you say that might convince someone to never buy clothes at the mall again?

They are common, unoriginal and mass produced. If you want to look like everyone else then by all means hit up the mall. But if you want your fashion to be representative of your individually then you gotta hit up Always Urban to cop those exclusives and limited pieces that have substance and meaning.

Any, shout outs, plugs?

Shout to everyone that has supported Acropolis and continues to support. In a saturated market and in challengin economic times our loyal fans continue to support, so thank you!