JIMMY has been in the works for just about 2 years. Arguably, it's more like 20 years. Actually, it's been in the works for almost a lifetime. My love of fashion and apparel started at a young age. It was the 90s, I was in second grade, and it was dress-down day at school. My sister was a very cool 11-year-old who let me wear her baggy jean shorts and a color block baseball jersey. Again, it was the 90s - and it was a sick look. I think about that outfit often because, not only did it look really rad, but it was the first time that I felt vibrant. Maybe it was just because the colors of the jersey were really bright - and I love color. But, really it was my first connection to the power of self expression. When I wore that outfit to school, there was a confidence that sparked within me. For an 8-year-old boy in Pennsylvania, who knew as early as possible that he was gay, that confidence and connection to self expression at that time was really important. I don't think I truly realized it then, but I knew it was something wonderful and I wanted more of it, to explore it. It was from that day forward that I understood fashion is a vehicle for self expression - a way to represent who you are, who you want to be, and who you want the world to see. I loved it.
Soon enough, my mom taught me how to sew on her old Singer sewing machine. I wasn’t very good - and I’m still not very good to this day - but I was fascinated by the idea of putting pieces of fabric together and making something beautiful, something that can make someone else feel beautiful. Jump forward 30+ years, and I finally took the chance at creating, piecing something together that I hope makes others feel good, comfortable, beautiful. I’m a little embarrassed to admit it took so long to get here. I like to think I’m someone who seizes the day, but I sometimes let fear get in the way. It's always been this dance of ambition and ambivalence when it comes to my dreams. But, we're here now, and we're starting with a t-shirt, a tank top, and some shorts.
For 2 years we concepted, developed, pieced and re-pieced garments to create a capsule that you hopefully find easy, yet elevated, approachable and authentic. Our goal is not to build a commodity brand; we want to build a community. Though it took some time to get here, and it took some time to get the product right, it also took a lot of people and perspectives to get it to market. So, I just want to lean in to that idea of community and at the same time thank every single person that got us to this launch. I want to thank everyone and everything that ever came across my path, because it got me here. It's a small, soft launch, but it has a big, strong impact on my soul, and I'm grateful x infinity. Again, speaking of community, I want to thank the Stonewall Community Foundation for allowing JIMMY to support their amazing work in protecting and uplifting the LGBTQ community. Check them out, they're awesome.
Time is only going to tell what JIMMY is capable of and what it can be to others. I’m excited and terrified to see what time brings, but I’m determined to keep going, no matter what fear I feel. Because I will always remember that young boy, and that moment he connected to and felt comfortable with his self, and realized how beautiful that can be. If you made it this far in the journal entry, I want to thank you for reading. And if you ever purchase anything from JIMMY, I want to thank you for your support. I only hope that I can create something that makes you feel confident and strong, and helps you tap into the comfortable side of your self. Because, your true self is the most beautiful thing you can wear.
All love,
Jimmy