How a humble DIY upbringing sparked this streetwear designer’s minimalist aesthetic

December 27, 2024  |  Taylor Wilmore

Flaws are part of nature, says Clark Rooseveltte: Go forth and be creative (not normal)

Clark Rooseveltte — already known across Kansas City as the man behind the mic (and the mixtape) — is inviting others into his world of creative living through Clvr World Goods and Supply, a lifestyle brand focused on streetwear and minimalist design. 

Shirts from Clvr World Goods and Supply for sale at The Porter House KC’s 811 Retail Incubator; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Operating from within The Porter House KC’s 811 Retail Incubator, Rooseveltte offers a range of products — shirts, bags, durags, jackets, hats, and more — that embody bold self-expression and a deep commitment to community impact.

“Clvr stands for Creative Living Versus Retrospect,” Rooseveltte explained. “It means being progressive, but at the same time, understanding that nature is nature. There’s really nothing you can do about it. Just go forth and be creative.”

Rooted in resourcefulness

Rooseveltte’s journey into fashion began with a spark of inspiration from his childhood.

“Growing up, I really liked streetwear. We couldn’t afford it, so my mom was like, ‘Why don’t you just make it yourself?’” he recalled. “That sparked something in me.”

He sold his first shirt in 2013, driven by the same resourcefulness that continues to influence his aesthetic today. 

“Thrifting and minimalism inspire my style,” said Rooseveltte. “Not being able to afford those things forced me to figure it out. I wanted to be stylish, but without logos. That’s what kept me so minimal.”

Community at the core

Since joining The Porter House KC’s incubator — relocating from his previous location on 3000 Troost earlier this month — Rooseveltte has embraced collaboration and growth, he said.

“It’s been a smooth transition, just figuring it out. I’m a visionary. I take something, replicate it, and make it adaptable to any space. That’s what I set out to do with Clvr World,” Rooseveltte said.

Clvr World’s community focus is evident in events like his annual toy drive, Santa Clark, which brings people together for a good cause. Other initiatives include ice skating at Vine Street Brewery, puff-and-paint events, and free movie nights — each designed to create unique and memorable experiences.

Rooseveltte’s community-driven mindset also extends to ProX internships, yoga classes, and neighborhood cleanups.

“It just feels good to give back,” he said. “I don’t have kids, so this is my way of contributing.”

A bold logo cap from Clvr World Goods and Supply; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Creating his legacy

Rooseveltte sees endless possibilities for Clvr World for the brand’s future.

“Right now, I’m focused on expanding and collaborating,” he said. “With a team, this can start to run itself, and I can go create other things. It’s about legacy — a machine that can feed my tribe.”

While based in Kansas City, his aspirations are national.

“I didn’t want my brand to be limited to just Kansas City,” said Rooseveltte. “Every design has its own fan base. I want to translate that into other spaces and connect with people everywhere.”

Through Clvr World, Rooseveltte encourages others to embrace their individuality.

“You can be flawed. What’s normal is understanding that you’re not normal,” he said. “You’re different in every aspect, and that’s what makes you unique.”

[adinserter block="4"]

2024 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    KC on top: Hat maker’s best-seller spotted on ‘GMA,’ ‘Ted Lasso’ as brand shapes its national profile

    By Tommy Felts | August 8, 2025

    Sandlot Goods wears the spotlight well, said Thomas McIntyre, noting each high-profile media close up of its signature dad hat is another step toward establishing Kansas City’s only hat manufacturer as a national brand. After being featured on the “Made In America Christmas” segment of ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, Sandlot was again…

    Rooftop Cinema Club premieres its open-air movie theater experience in KC’s Crossroads

    By Tommy Felts | August 8, 2025

    Pink dusk views of the Kansas horizon and a cityscape bathed in sunset only added to the silver screen experience for midweek movie-goers trying out the newly opened Rooftop Cinema Club in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. “Just the ambiance and what they did with the design is really cute,” said Emily Hendricks of Kansas…

    Kauffman targets $250K grant toward vacant storefront revitalization as World Cup looms

    By Tommy Felts | August 7, 2025

    Funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is expected to help Kansas City prepare for an influx of visitors cheering on competitors at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — activating vacant storefronts in key areas with retail, artist, and community-focused pop-ups, city leaders said this week. The KCMO-centered initiative — first announced in June and patterned…

    How these KC pitmasters are smoking barbecue’s gender stereotypes

    By Tommy Felts | August 7, 2025

    Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. [divide] Veronica Scroggins of Scott’s Kitchen is the latest on a short list…