Prepared to redefine the signature style in a city that is stereotyped for blasé and arid attire, elaborate artistic designs supplanted the patch concept and iKY Clothing was born in 2004. A concept to incorporate an obscure (now undisclosed) acronym, a clothing patch and interactive consumer customization was made available online. In May 2005 at a legendary DC nightclub, the brand launched the line with an audience of nearly 4,500 attendees. The iKY effect was contagious, growing into a local movement that rapidly spread throughout the East Coast. To meet the resulting rampant demand, founding partners assembled a fresh team with a vision to produce ready-to-wear clothing for spring 2007. With national support on the heels of a grassroots campaign, iKY was reborn.
Music legend Quincy Jones was touched by the collection’s message, “Shukran (thank you in Arabic), this Rock Revival shirt is perfect for me and the music industry does need revival!” The brand scored praise from sport superstars NFL ballers Terrell Owens, Rod Smith, Vernon Davis, and was a also a knockout with World Champion boxer Zab Judah. Among the list of famous celebrities wearing iKY are veteran actor Blair Underwood, musician Ruby Dee, and “Sexpert” Dr. Drew, Playboy’s Girls Next Door bunny Kendra Wilkinson, and the producers of ‘Desperate Housewives’.
Embracing the edgy rawness of the real world with the couture quality of high fashion, iKY Clothing has character and not just a lifestyle brand - iKY is style for life. Innovative, refined design combines with traditional rock n’ roll rebelliousness and social consciousness exploding with unabashed avant-garde style. iKY inspires to aspire higher. It is no wonder that soaring stars want to rock and roll with iKY. It struck a chord with American Music Award winner Chris Daughtry, and brought sexy back to Justin Timberlake’s personal stylist. iKY topped the chart with rap royalty DMC, Grammy-winning singer Ne-Yo, singer/actor Tyrese, legendary pop band Duran Duran and Def Jam’s Pittsburgh Slim. Budding relationships with 311, The Killers, Fall Out Boy, Bon Jovi, Incubus, and Maroon 5 reinforce iKY’s influence in the community.
“I can see this in some of my movies. I will give your catalog to wardrobe”, said Director Penny Marshall - but long before Hollywood hotshots started wearing iKY, the award-winning, world-renowned electronic DJ, Ferry Corsten, became the first official celebrity endorsement for the brand. iKY created and designed Ferry’s merchandise line that has been embraced by global fans in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America. Noblesse Oblige is its social awareness collection that is soon to hit the market. iKY pledges to donate proceeds from specialty apparel items to various charities worldwide including Hoop Dreams, Komen Breast Cancer, OZ Project, Coptic Orphans, and DMC’s Foster Care foundation. iKY’s growth has been exponential and VH1 in 2007 was among the first to officially recognize iKY as an industry contender, voted the clothing line among the top three “Best Rock Gear” brands at the Rock Honors Awards.
Latest and greatest collection from iKY has generated significant attention in all areas of media, a growing celebrity fan base and a strong social pulse. iKY’s character, conviction, and quality that rivals the best in the business empower it to impact the market and the community. iKY is ever-evolving and its story is just unfolding. Yet, one consistent message is loud and clear. iKY is here and ready to rock.