Screen Shot: Destroy Store
Website: destroystore.com
City Based: Atlanta, GA
What inspired the brand name?
Destroy Store was created to allow us to have our own place that brought together three artists from different backgrounds, but with the same vision: Destroying the store concept and the norms of retail. We were sick of dealing with the normal retail outlets and being stuck with other brands that weren’t relevant to us. While each brand has it’s own personality, we all have the same vision.
Destroy Store is a place where all of those brands live and we have creative control.
Organically, we started to work together on streetwear concepts. And rather than have those collaborations live under an existing brand, that art centered around the entire Destroy Store concept. And the icon for Destroy Store became the focus. This has brought us to our first full collection, which will be released soon.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
The founders of Destroy Store are Tyler Brenner, Josh Borrego and Pete Kelly. We’ve been working on brands for years. Kelly has a pro skateboarding background and has had different streetwear and skate brands since the 1980s. Borrego has a graffiti background and has been instrumental in the art process and even created his own screen printing press to start making clothing. Brenner is a seasoned graphic designer with a love affair for streetwear dating back to the 90s.
So while the Destroy Store brand is only a couple of years old, the other clothing lines have been in place for several years and now, we’re using Destroy Store to bring them to the surface.
What helps you get over creative blocks?
Each other. That’s why we started it, and it’s really brought out the best in each of us.
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
Not starting Destroy Store earlier and not having the support of each other.
What is the biggest success you have had?
Bringing our artistic vision to life and having people enjoy it. Seeing others proud to rock our gear makes us excited for the future. And while that may seem like a small thing, it’s huge to us.
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?
We meet once a week in Pete’s garage and just sit there and jam on art and design. Coffee and ridiculous conversations lead to serious inspiration.
Favorite color to use?
Destruction red. We picked it out of a pack of Crayola Crayons we stole from a kid down the street.
ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
Pete – Obey Clothing because it started with a movement more than a brand.
Josh – Ecko has been a big inspiration because they were at the forefront of the graffiti clothing movement and really made me realize how your artistic passion can become streetwear.
Tyler – I love seeing the small startups that are super creative such as Steady Hands Apparel, Weird Sleep, Colour Collective, and Hidden Characters.
Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?
One year from now, we plan to have several more collections launched, focused more on cut and sew. In 5 years, we want to expand our following to the point where we can manufacture products outside of apparel.
In 5 words or less describe your brand?
Creative minds never think alike.