Written by Gerard Ucelli, Staff Writer
The website has just been up since October 10th. How have sales been going since the website has been up?
We couldn’t be more stoked on how well we did at launch. Far exceeded our expectations going into it, so we’re very excited and humbled by it. We have a long way to go and it’s great to see L&L finally up and running.
How much of an increase do you expect to see within the next year?
As far as numbers go, I wouldn’t want to put a projection on that right now. But as for getting the name out and people really finding out what we’re all about, we’d love to see that exponentially increase. We really want to branch out into different avenues in the music, art, and charity realm — almost having it all intertwined. But right now we’re really focusing on taking everything one step at a time. We want everything done with patience and integrity.
Tell us about the beginnings of starting Lost and Loveless.
I was at dinner with my close friend, Alex Lopez, he brought up to me that he was contemplating starting up a clothing company, but definitely wanted to bring something new to the table. I was immediately interested and always wanted to do some sort of project with him, so the stars aligned well. We spent months figuring out exactly where we wanted to go with it and what an overall goal was. Alex introduced me to do Noah Russell & Daniel Rubin who were also interested in really wanting to present something new and fresh to the company. So here we are today with the operation. 4 guys handling all aspects of the business and loving it.
What makes a bear suitable for Lost and Loveless; being that it is your main logo?
We wanted to be branded with an object that catches the eye while also pertain to what the company stands for. Tag, our little mascot, represents a rugged, beat up “toy” of sorts that ultimately is “Lost” and “Loveless”. It’s a point we all experience in our lives, but we seek out the help and support of the people around us. We get reminded that we aren’t alone and there are people in the world who give 2 shits. That’s where the charity aspect really plays a major role in what our mission as a collective is. We represent promoting positive change. When people wear our clothes, or you see Tag somewhere, it stands for spreading a better well-being amongst everyone around us.
What are the pros and cons of being someone in a band with an enormous amount of exposure and starting a clothing company?
Well, that’s me. The pros with being in my band and the exposure that comes along with it is I can use it in a positive light. It’s not about me, it’s about the message I stand for and working with Alex, Noah, and Daniel who have the same outlook and dedication towards that. There are no con’s really. Technology keeps me in the loop and active while I’m on tour. Being on tour allows me to get the word out as well.
Tell us about your Toys for Tots $5 Donation. You’re teaming up with them?
Growing up, I’ve always seen my community involved with Toys for Tots and I’ve been eager to be able to do something with them. So when their name came up while getting our game plan together for launch, it was a no-brainer to do something with them. Our goal is to be involved on as many fronts as possible with the charity aspect of our company. The next thing we’re working on is having bands sponsor a shirt/design and proceeds will go to the charity of their choice. Instead of just giving bands shirts to wear, we want to give it a deeper meaning that really helps people at the end of the day.
How does it feel to have bands like Pierce The Veil, Chiodos, and Confide supporting your brand?
Any support is amazing! Whether it be from bands or anyone in the community. Of course we love having bands spreading the word and standing behind what we do. But our goal is much more than that and we hope people will really look into what it is we are trying to accomplish.
If Lost and Loveless was a child, who would its parents (Two older clothing companies that highly impacted this one) be and why?
The people over at Glamour Kills have been awfully inspiring and very helpful, in general. And I’ve been close with Travis and the people at Rockett since they started long ago. Definitely learned a lot from them over the years. I would say I am impacted on their work ethic and being extremely kind people who have love and passion for what they do.
Where do you see Lost and Loveless five years from now?
That’s the hardest question ever. I just want to be helping people with what we do still. If we can alter or change any persons life in a positive way, then that’s successful to me. If we can still accomplish that 5 years from now, I’ll be a happy camper.