Fashion Duo Builds On LEGO Empire
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A pair of brothers who are trying to build a fashion empire brick by brick on Staten Island say its success is the result of unique exposure. NY1's Tara Lynn Wagner filed the following report.For twin brothers Dee and Ricky Jackson, their foray into fashion began by simply being seen.
"Being ubiquitous and around all the time. We would go to random parties and or being like in the downtown scene and we just acquainted with people and people just loved us. Us being us. Being different. Always bringing something cool to the table," said Ricky Jackson.
At the moment, that table is full of LEGOs, the building blocks of the business they run out of their home in Staten Island's Arlington Terrace Apartments. The 21 year olds make being fashion moguls seem like child's play, creating handmade items, like heart pins that sell for anywhere from $50 to $125. It's an idea that clicked with designer Marc Jacobs as well as some big name celebrities.
With no business degree or high school diploma, the Jacksons say they've learned how to build a business the hard way and they're still learning. Their pieces aren't trademarked, and while there are knock offs, they say nothing compares to a true original that bears their signature -- a LEGO logo of sorts.
"We had a couple of pieces printed, like our faces printed on the tile. It's our exact faces but like a cartoon," said Dee Jackson.
"I feel like if you're gonna buy it from us, you're supporting us, because we started it and it's all about respect and support," said Ricky Jackson.
Now that their LEGO empire has clicked, the brothers are busy building up their brand. They recently teamed with designers Max and Maggie on a line of silver LEGO-inspired jewelry that will be on sale this year at Barneys.
The young men are also branching out to other nonconventional materials -- like ties and shirts made from Tyvek. They've also created bags and laptop cases out of vintage starter jackets they mostly obtain off eBay.
Jay-Z and Lebron James are among the clients shelling out hundreds of dollars for these one of a kinds. And while they are happy creating what they like, when the idea strikes, what they ultimately want to create is something even bigger. They want the Dee and Ricky brand to act as an umbrella, allowing them to be ubiquitous in any number of different fields.