Denver-based distributor AMB3R has released a new collaboration with Bowling Green, Kentucky-based apparel manufacturer JERZEES (PPAI 112791, Silver) in which the promo firms dive into the Ivy League culture.
The result is the Denco Heritage Brand, a collegiate line of apparel paying tribute to Colorado.
“We took JERZEES’ soft, economical garments and turned them into a prep-focused premium collection,” says Jeremy Picker, founder and CEO of AMB3R.
Picker says that every original design starts with market research, including scouring Pinterest for inspiration. “Vintage is always our preferred style, so finding worn in and washed-out prep looks is essential to recreating an authentic look,” Picker says.
After studying Picker’s mood board, Angelo Montiel, art director at AMB3R, begins sketching out concepts and working through the layout and style of the apparel line. “I like to create depth with layers and distress, but that doesn’t mean you have to use the same distress for everything,” Montiel says.
From there, AMB3R mixes analog with digital as Montiel hand paints numbers on paper before scanning to create natural paint strokes. Once the design is completed, Picker says the team integrates applique, matte sewing thread, unique stitches and faded screen printing to bring all their decoration loves into a cohesive look.
“The hardest part of the process for us is always making sure production matches our vision,” Picker says. “Utilizing multiple manufactures to bring the line together, we specced out the screen mesh, ink type, print order, thread thickness, applique laydown, washing and finishing.
“We’re so stoked about the way it came together with a quick turn – just in time – of the shelf blanks to create a line that’s worthy of retail.”
