Blue collar Friday: Why a KC streetwear project in the works for a decade could sell out in one night
December 5, 2024 | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
A just-dropped collaboration between two Crossroads makers stitch together neighborhood history and vintage streetwear, according to the creatives behind the SewKC and MADE MOBB brands.
Patch packs from the Stitching KC Together collection; image courtesy of SewKC
“We’re paying homage to the craftsmanship of the past but bringing it into this new age,” explained Jesse Phouanphet, co-owner of the popular Kansas City streetwear apparel company MADE MOBB.
The Stitching KC Together collection from SewKC and MADE MOBB features a limited run of 100 quilt-lined, corduroy-collared, cropped-hem black jackets that can be customized with MADE MOBB/Sew KC/Crossroads embroidered patches.
A limited number of the jackets will also feature an East meets West Crossroads design on the back.
The collection launches 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday during the December First Friday event at MADE MOBB, 221 Southwest Boulevard.
“The Midwest is all about craftsmanship, very blue collar,” said Phouanphet. “That’s something we wanted to illustrate when building a drop like this.”
“Of course, we are both focusing on our strengths,” he added. “SewKC, they kill it when it comes to patches, sewing, and craftsmanship. And we’ve been working at MADE MOBB on a mechanic jacket for almost a year. So for us to launch it with SewKC just makes perfect sense.”
Jesse Phouanphet, MADE MOBB, with Johnny and Michele Dawbarn and Kristina Atagi, SewKC; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Customers can pick out their jacket and patches, design their patch layout, and then SewKC will be on site to bring the customizations to life. A variety of beanies are expected to be on hand to purchase and customize. Customers also can bring in their favorite jacket from home to customize with the patch packs.
“The idea is really just to promote that individualism, the customization, and really just bringing people back into the shops,” Phouanphet continued. “We’re in a big online e-commerce space — we do a good amount on e-com, as well — but this is a cool thing for people to come, shop, physically touch all the items, and now, customize the items.”
This collaboration is a decade in the making, noted Johnny Dawbarn, co-founder of SewKC alongside his wife, Michele. The duo also owns and operates Collective Ex and HITIDES Coffee under the same roof at 519 E 18th St. in the East Crossroads.
“We at SewKC and MADE MOBB have hit a 10-year mark together,” he explained. “We’ve been friends. The idea is, let’s celebrate that history a little bit and get into the idea of what the East Crossroads and the West Crossroads offers and then bring it together in a way of showcasing the strengths between the two, complementing each other versus competing.”
“It’s such a creative community as it is, so we’re highlighting that creativity,” he added.
The collection also serves as a nod to the winding journey of the Crossroads itself, Dawbarn and Phouanphet shared. MADE MOBB’ storefront on Southwest Boulevard was a mechanic shop at one point and the SewKC space was once a glass and wallpaper store.
“People were doing things that were creatively based and working hard on something passion driven,” Dawbarn continued. “We’re doing the same thing in those spaces — different decades — but the same mentality, which is exciting, if you think about it.”
The First Friday event at MADE MOBB will also feature local vendors, food trucks, and performances presented by One Mic Stand KC.
“First Fridays are so big in the Crossroads, so it makes a lot of sense for us to join up on one of those and do this live customer interaction,” Dawbarn said.
“It’s really cool because we remember each other when we were all getting that first start and we’ve watched each other grow,” he continued of the two brands. “We’ve been able to work together, share ideas, share processes, and help each other.”
For those who can’t make it on First Friday, the remaining jackets from the 100-piece run will be available to purchase at MADE MOBB, they noted. Customers can still design their patch layout, then the jacket will be sent over to SewKC to finish the customization.
Featured Business
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Head in the grounds: Why Ben Cloud is the first (and last) hand to touch his evolving coffee brand
Americans drink coffee like water, youth entrepreneur Benjamin Cloud noted, and he’s doing his part to fuel their habit. The recent Shawnee Mission North graduate — inspired by an intro to business class — started Cloud’s Coffee two years ago when he was 15. “I initially thought about coffee because of the size of the…
Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures among 7 local restaurants, bars named James Beard semifinalists
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Kansas City is well represented in the national food competition this year — with The Town Company, Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures and…
Diverse startups are growing in KC, but is equitable funding matching their traction?
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Kansas City Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. While Kansas City has ample resources for the growing number of budding entrepreneurs, BIPOC…
The Nelle — a ‘third space’ for women and LGBTQ+ creatives — closing its doors Jan. 31
Lauren Saks Merriman is proud of The Nelle HQ’s two years in the Crossroads Arts District, she said, recalling its impact as a genuine environment for empowered thought, inclusion and connection. “We set out to offer a safe space for inspiration and community,” said Merriman, founder of The Nelle. “And that’s exactly what we’ve accomplished.” …