If you are heavy into fashion, you’ve probably heard of Pleasures Clothing. Formed in 2015 and based out of Los Angeles, the brand has made a dent in the fashion culture in a short period. Their impact has been remarkable while only being a few years out. A quick stroll through Hypebeast Instagram and you can see their influence on so many upcoming brands. However, there is only one Pleasures.
Let’s look at some interesting Pleasure clothing facts you may not be aware of…
1. Controversial…But Inspiring
High fashion clothing brands tend to have a penchant for controversy. We’ve seen it before: a new, upcoming brand releases an item that would otherwise be shunned by most of proper society. But who cares about proper society here. This is high fashion, the type of fashion that borders between art and ridiculousness (in a good way, mind you).
Pleasures clothing tends to provoke. The styles that the Pleasures brand releases range from punk underground to minimal modern. While controversial clothing can be nothing more than a fad, Pleasures has proven that they are relevant.
2. Punk Base, Forward Looking
Punk has been a part of mainstream culture since forever. A punk-style fashion brand isn’t that uncommon. Often brands think that if they include to spiked hair, boots, and band tees in their repertoire they will be cool and forward-thinking. Most times they fall flat on their faces.
Pleasures clothing, however, pushes an interesting punk-inspired style without seeming stale or like try-hards. Co-founded Alex James lived and breathed the punk scene of New Jersey and Manhattan. That says something.
Their clothing ranges from monotone shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants to brighter, more seasonal moods. Their take on high-fashion streetwear is fresh. One look at their collections page and you’ll see what we mean.
3. A Brief History
One of the lesser known Pleasures clothing facts is that it was formed in 2015 by a guy who didn’t work in the fashion industry.
Alex James worked as an IT tech. He claims to have always loved fashion, but the stars never quite aligned. Eventually, however, he was given the opportunity to form a shoe company followed by a men’s fashion brand.
In 2015 he teamed up with Vlad Elkin—his now business partner—to start the Pleasures brand.
4. High-Profile Exposure
If a new brand doesn’t get worn it will be dropped like a hot coal. Pleasures started off on the right foot: their initial offerings of the edgy “R.I.P. Morrissey” tees sold out. This led to serious exposure.
Pleasures clothing has since been worn by Kylie Jenner, Wiz Khalifa, Playboi Carti, and The Weeknd. Regardless of personal opinions, these names do impact fashion, for better or worse. For Pleasures this meant real growth and a massive new market to sell to.
5. A Lifeless Morrissey and Kurt Cobain’s Suicide Note
Any press is good press. Pleasures got some heat for their R.I.P. Morrissey shirt. That image paired with Kurt Cobain’s suicdide note printed onto a t-shirt turned heads. Some critics thought it insensitive. Others noted that the meaning would only be deep to the tween Instagram crowd.
Regardless, the shirts sold well. They got people talking. Anything that gets people talking can lead to important insights into a culture. Pleasures clothing started discussions. This is more than many brands can say.
6. Seasonal Styles
Like any good fashion brand, Pleasures brand offers seasonal styles. Their current Spring 19 line is chock full of bright colors, floral patterns, and fun designs.
Seasonal offerings can help to keep a brand relevant throughout the year. Instead of offering a constant bombardment of black and monotone t-shirts, Pleasures clothing went in a different direction.
7. Custom Dr. Martens
Partnerships are great for new brands. They are also great for established companies. The Pleasures brand is no different. They benefit from name-brand associations.
An important partnership of theirs is with Dr. Martens. Doc Martens are a staple of punk style that dates back to a time before Twitter culture, hashtag activism, and safe cultural statements. With Pleasures Clothing selling their own style of Docs, they are keeping to punk tradition.
8. Germs!
Germs was an American punk band formed in the late 1970s. They are from the early years of the punk movement. Their significance to the sound and style is unquestionable.
Pleasures offers a clothing collection inspired by and dedicated to the Germs. The shirts are black or white with minimal graphics. Sweatshirts and pants are also available.
9. More Than Clothing
While Pleasures Clothing is a high fashion streetwear brand, they are also an image. There is something gritty in the clothing that is often missed by similar brands. Pleasures brand keeps true to their punk origins. Selling out does not seem to be on their agenda.
One could argue that any brand that caters to current Western cultural “icons” would be selling out, but a brand cannot control who reps their ware. As was mentioned before, all press is good press. Pleasures Clothing has rolled along in a sea of vapid, pretentious, and overvalued looks.
10. Exclusive Yet Approachable
The last Pleasures Clothing fact given is this: their brand is exclusive. They are somewhat high end fashion streetwear and this leads to quite some demand for their product. However, unlike some high fashion styles, Pleasures Clothing is still approachable.
Wearing the Pleasures clothing brand does not make you look like a martian, a balloon, or a bag of minced meats despite what some of their designs may have on them. The shirts are cool, the hoodies slammin’, and the overall feel is great. While it still is relatively a new brand, Pleasures has grown at a rapid pace. The story of Pleasures clothing is just beginning, so keep an eye out on this awesome brand as it continues to grow and makes waves in the fashion industry. Buy yourself some clothing at pleasuresnow.com ♦