Press Clippings
feature
FREEDOM REIGNS in the fashion industry hink of everything you know about your typical men’s clothT ing line; such as the standard colors
and designs we see on the shelves of our favorite department stores; now forget about it. Forget about the standard solid plain underwear and active wear that you’re used to and introduce yourself to Freedom Reigns; not your typical tighty whitties kind of brand. The creation of Curtis Stallard, who was born in San Diego, as well as his partner Sam Castro, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, has taken inspiration from flags of leading nations and incorporated them into their line. They’ve done this so they can develop some killer eye-catching color combinations that set themselves apart from the competition. Freedom Reigns started as a company producing graphic T-shirts, and grew into a collaboration that also included making underwear to coordinate with the T-shirts. That combination turned Freedom Reigns into a high-end sportswear company that produces briefs, T-shirts, tanks, jockstraps and even long-johns.
32
SAN DIEGO
❖ JULY 19, 2012
BY JAMES FREEMAN
When speaking with these fashion nuts, it was clear that profit was not their top priority; instead, they feel as if they should help the country be stronger by providing the strongest, most positive phrase on their garments: “Made in the USA.” They also provide their clients with nothing more than the best of the best and have built a brand out of their name that exemplifies American quality fashion. Fashion freaks that enjoy comfort and quality from a local designer can purchase Freedom Reigns clothing at Mankind, 3425 Fifth Ave. in San Diego. San Diego LGBT Weekly: How do you see Freedom Reigns place in the market, design wise? Curtis Stallard: I see our designs as
men’s athletic, trend setting underwear and activewear. We like to use the construction of each piece to emphasis and enhance the body. Our lines most distinctive features would have to be the exposed construction and its asymmetry.
Besides the pride and domestic benefits of being made in the USA, what else is a benefit on keeping production local?
Having the ability to see each stage of the manufacturing up close and in our factory, is a huge plus. You can be sure that one of us checks on the production every day; this couldn’t be done if our product was produced overseas. Of course, it is much harder to have your own factory and it is hugely more expensive in everything from labor and factory costs to actual material costs, but in the long run it makes a difference in our products and it is worth it. We both want to always be proud of who we are as people and the products we produce.
What drew you to fashion and to start your own fashion line?
We’ve both always been interested in fashion and, while traveling throughout Europe a few years ago, we first designed graphic T-shirts, which were mildly successful. Then, we started designing underwear to coordinate with the graphics on the Tshirts. These were not very popular and we almost discontinued under-
feature PHOTOS: FREEDOM REIGNS
wear all together. However, we decided to take a new angle for the company, one based on our heritage as a company. As all our products are proudly made in the USA, and both my partner and I are very athletic, we took the company to a more athletic American sportswear feel. This goes for all our products whether they are briefs, T-shirts, tanks, jockstraps or even long-johns. Where do you get your design inspiration?
Everywhere! If you’re in the fashion business you should never shut your eyes, except to sleep. Whether you are in the street, at the airport, on the beach, in the city or the country, you never stop seeing and feeling what is going on around you. Fashion is not for people who wear blinders throughout life. What is the best perk of being a designer?
Simple; traveling the world for “inspiration.” It’s awesome! What do you wish people would
and should prove to be popular next season. Anything that is not Goth. I think the last nail is in the coffin for the gothic/tattoo printed T-shirts, à la Ed Hardy and Affliction. For us, Dry-fit and Olympic sport stripes are something that we will be using a lot of next season, both in underwear and activewear. understand about working in the fashion industry?
It’s extremely fast-paced. You finish a season and then you have to start on the next season immediately. It makes your life go by hyper-fast. What trends do you see emerging that you believe will be the next big thing?
I think the trend of asymmetry that we started last year is catching on with other designers
What do you wish you had known before entering the fashion industry?
Not to stock items until you have sold the buyers on the samples; if not, you end up with hundreds of items that you might love but that buyers aren’t going to order. Besides your own designs, what brands/styles might one see in your closet?
Both of us have mostly Italian designer’s: D&G, Prada, Gucci with some ES Collection from Spain and Dsquared from Canada. I would have more American designers if they weren’t mostly made in China or Malaysia. Where might we find you shopping for hot new styles?
The streets of West Hollywood in L.A. are always a show. Sometimes you see someone and you think, “What were they thinking when they put their outfit together.” But, then you look it over again and it strikes something in you and you go, “Hmmm, great idea.” Sometimes, it’s the color combination and other times it will be the combination of items or both. Also, the Pan Pacific Park by the Grove is good for seeing athletes in action on the basketball courts and the football and soccer fields. What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
Try and find a mentor in the business, who can help be a soundboard for your creativity with tips for business. Fashion is artistry, but it is also industry and business. To succeed you need both the creative and business aspects together, not something most designers have a sense of. Except of course, the Ralph Lauren’s of the world. ❖
JULY 19, 2012 ❖ SAN DIEGO
33
...it was important to remember the spirit of the games,
Freedom Reigns Sportswear Celebrates 2012 Summer Games By Ben Coleman
Freedom Reigns celebrates the summer Olympics this season with its all-new World Champion Collection. Inspired by the flags of leading nations, the line features an assortment of briefs, tanks, tees, jackets and shorts, all coordinating with uniquely bold color combinations set against its patented multi-stripe red, white and blue elastic waist band. “Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field”, says Curtis Stallard, who runs the label with his husband Sael Castro. “Our use of asymmetrical color combinations, unique construction and trim is what sets us apart from our competitors. It has become something of an identifying brand in itself.”
Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field
Sael Castro and Curtis Stallard launched Freedom Reigns in 2010 as a tee-shirt shop in California. On a whim, they tested a playful graphic brief on the sales floor. It was a hit with customers and within a few months, Freedom Reigns began unveiling several styles of briefs, trunks, and jockstraps. Seeing potential to expand their briefs
internationally – and with the guidance of Nir Zilberman of the US-based Man Trends Agency - the pair closed their shop and began distributing their collections (which now included an entire sports range) through boutiques around the world.
...let freedom reign wherever they are.
The idea of freedom holds unique significance to both Castro and Stallard. Sael Castro grew up in Mexico where citizens are not free to live or love freely. He became a legal resident of the United States in 2006. During the short period when gay marriage was legal in California, he and Stallard married. In July, they will celebrate their fourth year anniversary. They say their collection reflects the Freedom Reigns customer: gear is playful and sports minded with a variety of sport stripes, woven stripes and intricate insets on underwear, tee’s, tanks, shorts, long johns and jackets. Red, white and blue were a main theme for this Olympic season but the designers also incorporated many of the colors seen on the summer fashion runways including bright canary yellow, fuchsia pink, Ferrari red and charcoal grey. “When designing our summer collections, we felt it was important to remember the spirit of the games,” concludes Stallard. “It’s a spirit that aligns perfectly with our own brand ideology. Freedom Reigns represents freedom in every aspect of life. We encourage men to live, love and play freely and let freedom reign wherever they are.”
Freedom Reigns’ World Champion Collection and the entire Summer 2012 line are available now at select retail stores and online at LAJock.com.
...it was important to remember the spirit of the games,
Freedom Reigns Sportswear Celebrates 2012 Summer Games By Ben Coleman
Freedom Reigns celebrates the summer Olympics this season with its all-new World Champion Collection. Inspired by the flags of leading nations, the line features an assortment of briefs, tanks, tees, jackets and shorts, all coordinating with uniquely bold color combinations set against its patented multi-stripe red, white and blue elastic waist band. “Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field”, says Curtis Stallard, who runs the label with his husband Sael Castro. “Our use of asymmetrical color combinations, unique construction and trim is what sets us apart from our competitors. It has become something of an identifying brand in itself.”
Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field
Sael Castro and Curtis Stallard launched Freedom Reigns in 2010 as a tee-shirt shop in California. On a whim, they tested a playful graphic brief on the sales floor. It was a hit with customers and within a few months, Freedom Reigns began unveiling several styles of briefs, trunks, and jockstraps. Seeing potential to expand their briefs
internationally – and with the guidance of Nir Zilberman of the US-based Man Trends Agency - the pair closed their shop and began distributing their collections (which now included an entire sports range) through boutiques around the world.
...let freedom reign wherever they are.
The idea of freedom holds unique significance to both Castro and Stallard. Sael Castro grew up in Mexico where citizens are not free to live or love freely. He became a legal resident of the United States in 2006. During the short period when gay marriage was legal in California, he and Stallard married. In July, they will celebrate their fourth year anniversary. They say their collection reflects the Freedom Reigns customer: gear is playful and sports minded with a variety of sport stripes, woven stripes and intricate insets on underwear, tee’s, tanks, shorts, long johns and jackets. Red, white and blue were a main theme for this Olympic season but the designers also incorporated many of the colors seen on the summer fashion runways including bright canary yellow, fuchsia pink, Ferrari red and charcoal grey. “When designing our summer collections, we felt it was important to remember the spirit of the games,” concludes Stallard. “It’s a spirit that aligns perfectly with our own brand ideology. Freedom Reigns represents freedom in every aspect of life. We encourage men to live, love and play freely and let freedom reign wherever they are.”
Freedom Reigns’ World Champion Collection and the entire Summer 2012 line are available now at select retail stores and online at LAJock.com.
FREEDOM REIGNS FREEDOM REIGNS CELEBRATED CELEBRATED
SUMMER SUMMER GAMES
GAMES
Freedom Reigns celebrates the summer Olympics this season with its all new World Champion Collection. Inspired by the flags of leading nations, the World Champion Collection features an assortment of briefs, tanks, tees, jackets and shorts, all coordinating with uniquely bold color combinations set against its patented multi-stripe red, white and blue elastic waist band. “Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field”, says Curtis Stallard, who runs the label with head designer Sael Castro. “Our use of asymmetrical color combinations, unique construction and trim is what sets us apart from our competitors. It has become something of an identifying brand in itself, as evidenced by the tremendous success of our top-selling Hero brief.” Sael Castro and Curtis Stallard launched Freedom Reigns in 2010 as a tee-shirt shop on California’s Melrose Avenue. On a whim, they tested a playful graphic brief on the sales floor. It was a hit with customers and within a few months, Freedom Reigns began unveiling several styles of briefs, trunks, and jockstraps. Seeing potential to expand their briefs internationally – and with the guidance of Nir Zilberman of the Man Trends Agency - the pair closed their Melrose shop and began distributing their collections (which now included an entire sports range) through boutiques around the world.
Zilberman encouraged the pair to emphasize their being American made by adding more red, white and blue to their design palette.
FREEDOM REIGNS FREEDOM REIGNS CELEBRATED CELEBRATED
SUMMER SUMMER GAMES
GAMES
Freedom Reigns celebrates the summer Olympics this season with its all new World Champion Collection. Inspired by the flags of leading nations, the World Champion Collection features an assortment of briefs, tanks, tees, jackets and shorts, all coordinating with uniquely bold color combinations set against its patented multi-stripe red, white and blue elastic waist band. “Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field”, says Curtis Stallard, who runs the label with head designer Sael Castro. “Our use of asymmetrical color combinations, unique construction and trim is what sets us apart from our competitors. It has become something of an identifying brand in itself, as evidenced by the tremendous success of our top-selling Hero brief.” Sael Castro and Curtis Stallard launched Freedom Reigns in 2010 as a tee-shirt shop on California’s Melrose Avenue. On a whim, they tested a playful graphic brief on the sales floor. It was a hit with customers and within a few months, Freedom Reigns began unveiling several styles of briefs, trunks, and jockstraps. Seeing potential to expand their briefs internationally – and with the guidance of Nir Zilberman of the Man Trends Agency - the pair closed their Melrose shop and began distributing their collections (which now included an entire sports range) through boutiques around the world.
Zilberman encouraged the pair to emphasize their being American made by adding more red, white and blue to their design palette.
noticed in the puckering at the waistband where the cotton is sewn to the elastic. It takes time and talent for a seamstress to be able to sew the cotton flat to the elastic. Time and talent are not an off-shore quality.” Freedom Reigns believes its customers appreciate quality of fabrics and construction. “They are active, self-assured and free-spirited leaders,” says Stallard. Freedom Reigns’ summer collection reflects its customer: the gear is playful and sports minded with a variety of sport stripes, woven stripes and intricate insets on underwear, tee’s, tanks, shorts, long johns and jackets. In addition to the World Champion Collection, the company is unveiling their All American Jockstrap (with an innovative red, white and blue strap), the Silver Racer Brief (with its metallic Indy 500 inset panel) and the Academy Brief and Tee.
“They are active, self-assured and free-spirited leaders,” In addition to affording their gear with quality comfort and a sexy athletic style all its own, being American Made holds unique significance to both Castro and Stallard. Sael Castro grew up in Mexico where citizens are not free to live or love freely. He became a legal resident of the United States in 2006. During the short period when gay marriage was legal in California, he married his business and life partner, Curtis Stallard. In July, they will celebrate their fourth year anniversary. Both men believe that in order to regain its strength; the USA must rebuild its manufacturing infrastructure. Through Freedom Reigns, they hope to do their small part in restoring the nation’s economy by bringing quality manufacturing back to the states. According to Stallard, “Most large brands today are manufactured offshore in foreign countries. Consequentially, their quality is inferior. It’s most
They have also updated some of their popular styles from past seasons. The Fusion Brief now sports colorful stripes and trim. The Body Pump (consisting of color blocks hand sewn together), The G-Force (with inset panels individually sewn to one another, emphasizing the pouch) and the Hybrid Jock a Freedom Reigns creation (which is a combination of sexy underwear and a jockstrap in one) have all been improved upon for 2012. America’s red, white and blue were a main theme for this Olympic season but the designers also incorporated many of the colors seen on the summer fashion runways including bright canary yellow, fuchsia pink, Ferrari red and charcoal grey. “When designing our summer collections, we felt it was important to remember the spirit of the games,” concludes Stallard. “It’s a spirit that aligns perfectly with our own brand ideology. Freedom Reigns represents freedom in every aspect of life. We encourage men to live, love and play freely and let freedom reign wherever they are.” Freedom Reigns’ World Champion Collection and the entire Summer 2012 line are available now at select retail stores and online at LAJock.com.
noticed in the puckering at the waistband where the cotton is sewn to the elastic. It takes time and talent for a seamstress to be able to sew the cotton flat to the elastic. Time and talent are not an off-shore quality.” Freedom Reigns believes its customers appreciate quality of fabrics and construction. “They are active, self-assured and free-spirited leaders,” says Stallard. Freedom Reigns’ summer collection reflects its customer: the gear is playful and sports minded with a variety of sport stripes, woven stripes and intricate insets on underwear, tee’s, tanks, shorts, long johns and jackets. In addition to the World Champion Collection, the company is unveiling their All American Jockstrap (with an innovative red, white and blue strap), the Silver Racer Brief (with its metallic Indy 500 inset panel) and the Academy Brief and Tee.
“They are active, self-assured and free-spirited leaders,” In addition to affording their gear with quality comfort and a sexy athletic style all its own, being American Made holds unique significance to both Castro and Stallard. Sael Castro grew up in Mexico where citizens are not free to live or love freely. He became a legal resident of the United States in 2006. During the short period when gay marriage was legal in California, he married his business and life partner, Curtis Stallard. In July, they will celebrate their fourth year anniversary. Both men believe that in order to regain its strength; the USA must rebuild its manufacturing infrastructure. Through Freedom Reigns, they hope to do their small part in restoring the nation’s economy by bringing quality manufacturing back to the states. According to Stallard, “Most large brands today are manufactured offshore in foreign countries. Consequentially, their quality is inferior. It’s most
They have also updated some of their popular styles from past seasons. The Fusion Brief now sports colorful stripes and trim. The Body Pump (consisting of color blocks hand sewn together), The G-Force (with inset panels individually sewn to one another, emphasizing the pouch) and the Hybrid Jock a Freedom Reigns creation (which is a combination of sexy underwear and a jockstrap in one) have all been improved upon for 2012. America’s red, white and blue were a main theme for this Olympic season but the designers also incorporated many of the colors seen on the summer fashion runways including bright canary yellow, fuchsia pink, Ferrari red and charcoal grey. “When designing our summer collections, we felt it was important to remember the spirit of the games,” concludes Stallard. “It’s a spirit that aligns perfectly with our own brand ideology. Freedom Reigns represents freedom in every aspect of life. We encourage men to live, love and play freely and let freedom reign wherever they are.” Freedom Reigns’ World Champion Collection and the entire Summer 2012 line are available now at select retail stores and online at LAJock.com.
by Mario A. Weir
Lookin’ Sick in Any Clique t’s that time again, kids! Time to stock up on #2 pencils, marble books, Trapper Keepers… and to rejoin the mass of struggling identities in a sea of cliques. In an effort to help you better understand the subtle social dynamics of the educational experience, we’ve put together a list of our favorite student archetypes and the underwear best suited for them.
Rule the
school
by Mario A. Weir
Lookin’ Sick in Any Clique t’s that time again, kids! Time to stock up on #2 pencils, marble books, Trapper Keepers… and to rejoin the mass of struggling identities in a sea of cliques. In an effort to help you better understand the subtle social dynamics of the educational experience, we’ve put together a list of our favorite student archetypes and the underwear best suited for them.
Rule the
school
The Jock
Want to be in the club? Timoteo offers exclusive access to the in-crowd with their ClubHouse brief. Made from 96% cotton and 4% spandex, the exceptional fit and stretch make these the perfect gear for the carb fed athlete to sport while elbowing dweebs into lockers. Briefs feature the sexy open back of Timoteo’s popular Athlete Jock, but with more thigh and frontal coverage. The attractive black side panels with white trim and a grey pouch are topped off with Timoteo’s red, white, and black waistband and a patch bearing the sporty Timoteo logo. The gear looks extra sporty worn alone with a lettermen jacket. $32.00/Timoteo.net
The Over Achiever
You know the type: he expertly juggles his role as hall monitor with duties as head of the Straight Gay Alliance, member of the student council and captain of the fencing team, among his many other activities. For the upstanding student with the stellar extracurricular record and the aspiration to become class president at any cost, Studwear presents its Brandon Brief, a low rise trunk with front contoured pouch, white waist band, grey piping, and the patented Stud International print in white on the left side. In these briefs, you will get the job done. $36.00/LAJock.com
The Stoner
For the guys that missed Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” antidrug program of the ‘80s, Addicted offers it basic brief made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex. The low cut and snug grip of the brief is bad-ass but what’s most smoking is the provocative waistband that boldly and unapologetically declares what everyone else in the school already suspected. $31.00/ESCollectionUSA.com
The Rebel
For the breed of juvenile delinquents whose restless alienation finds catharsis in questioning authority (and listening to parent-forbidden music riddled with dirty lyrics), Teamm8 presents its Power brief. Made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, these are the briefs loner Jim Stark, played by James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause, would have worn. Sure, the pink brief would have clashed with his red-windbreaker, but he wouldn’t have cared. $29.00/LAJock.com
The Punk
For the Harley-riding, leather-booted, diesel boy with the dark dangerous looks and cocky sneer, ES Collection offers its Jock-string, made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex with elastic mesh (80% poliamide and 20% spandex) on the side. The brief offers a superb combination for the H.O.G. who loves his strings but needs a little something to keep his ass riding high even after he comes down from his bike. $62.50/ESCollectionUSA.com
The Prep
For the well-coiffed man dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, who says “ugh” about nothing and eschews being within ten feet of anyone who even appears to be homeless, Freedom Reigns presents the sharp-looking Academy brief. Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, it’s a sexy low rise brief in Ivy League colors that perfectly fulfill every extrinsic desire of the modern prep: the briefs look good, are sure to win friends, and because they’re a relatively new brand – everyone will die to know where and how you got them. $31.50/LAJock.com
The Jock
Want to be in the club? Timoteo offers exclusive access to the in-crowd with their ClubHouse brief. Made from 96% cotton and 4% spandex, the exceptional fit and stretch make these the perfect gear for the carb fed athlete to sport while elbowing dweebs into lockers. Briefs feature the sexy open back of Timoteo’s popular Athlete Jock, but with more thigh and frontal coverage. The attractive black side panels with white trim and a grey pouch are topped off with Timoteo’s red, white, and black waistband and a patch bearing the sporty Timoteo logo. The gear looks extra sporty worn alone with a lettermen jacket. $32.00/Timoteo.net
The Over Achiever
You know the type: he expertly juggles his role as hall monitor with duties as head of the Straight Gay Alliance, member of the student council and captain of the fencing team, among his many other activities. For the upstanding student with the stellar extracurricular record and the aspiration to become class president at any cost, Studwear presents its Brandon Brief, a low rise trunk with front contoured pouch, white waist band, grey piping, and the patented Stud International print in white on the left side. In these briefs, you will get the job done. $36.00/LAJock.com
The Stoner
For the guys that missed Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” antidrug program of the ‘80s, Addicted offers it basic brief made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex. The low cut and snug grip of the brief is bad-ass but what’s most smoking is the provocative waistband that boldly and unapologetically declares what everyone else in the school already suspected. $31.00/ESCollectionUSA.com
The Rebel
For the breed of juvenile delinquents whose restless alienation finds catharsis in questioning authority (and listening to parent-forbidden music riddled with dirty lyrics), Teamm8 presents its Power brief. Made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, these are the briefs loner Jim Stark, played by James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause, would have worn. Sure, the pink brief would have clashed with his red-windbreaker, but he wouldn’t have cared. $29.00/LAJock.com
The Punk
For the Harley-riding, leather-booted, diesel boy with the dark dangerous looks and cocky sneer, ES Collection offers its Jock-string, made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex with elastic mesh (80% poliamide and 20% spandex) on the side. The brief offers a superb combination for the H.O.G. who loves his strings but needs a little something to keep his ass riding high even after he comes down from his bike. $62.50/ESCollectionUSA.com
The Prep
For the well-coiffed man dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, who says “ugh” about nothing and eschews being within ten feet of anyone who even appears to be homeless, Freedom Reigns presents the sharp-looking Academy brief. Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, it’s a sexy low rise brief in Ivy League colors that perfectly fulfill every extrinsic desire of the modern prep: the briefs look good, are sure to win friends, and because they’re a relatively new brand – everyone will die to know where and how you got them. $31.50/LAJock.com
GOING FOR GOLD!
Freedom Reigns Sportswear Celebrates 2012 Summer Games By Ben Coleman
Freedom Reigns celebrates the summer Olympics this season with its all-new World Champion Collection. shorts, all coordinating with uniquely bold color combinations set against its patented multi-stripe red, white and blue elastic waist band. Curtis Stallard, who runs the label with his husband Sael Castro. “Our use of asymmetrical color combinations, unique construction and trim is what sets us apart from our competitors. It has become something of an identifying brand in itself.” Sael Castro and Curtis Stallard launched Freedom Reigns in 2010 as a tee-shirt shop in California. On a months, Freedom Reigns began unveiling several styles of briefs, trunks, and jockstraps. Seeing potential to expand their briefs internationally – and with the guidance of Nir Zilberman of the US-based Man Trends Agency - the pair closed their shop and began distributing their collections (which now included an entire sports range) through boutiques around the world.
Mexico where citizens are not free to live or love freely. He became a legal resident of the United States in 2006. During the short period when gay marriage was legal in California, he and Stallard married. In July, they will celebrate their fourth year anniversary.
a variety of sport stripes, woven stripes and intricate insets on underwear, tee’s, tanks, shorts, long johns and jackets. Red, white and blue were a main theme for this Olympic season but the designers also incorporated many of the colors seen on the summer fashion runways including bright canary yellow, fuchsia pink, Ferrari red and charcoal grey. “When designing our summer collections, we felt it was important to remember the spirit of the games,” concludes Stallard. “It’s a spirit that aligns perfectly with our own brand ideology. Freedom Reigns represents freedom in every aspect of life. We encourage men to live, love and play freely and let freedom reign wherever they are.”
Freedom Reigns’ World Champion Collection and the entire Summer 2012 line are available now at select retail stores and online at LAJock.com.
FASHION
GRAB UNDERWEAR
Freedom Reigns World Champion collection celebrates Summer Games Freedom Reigns celebrates the summer Olympics this season with its all new World Champion Collection. Inspired by the flags of leading nations, the World Champion Collection features an assortment of briefs, tanks, tees, jackets and shorts, all coordinating with uniquely bold color combinations set against its patented multi-stripe red, white and blue elastic waist band. “Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field”, says Curtis Stallard, who runs the label with head designer Sael Castro. “Our use of asymmetrical color 6
GRAB Magazine
July 17, 2012
combinations, unique construction and trim is what sets us apart from our competitors. It has become something of an identifying brand in itself, as evidenced by the tremendous success of our top-selling Hero brief.” Sael Castro and Curtis Stallard launched Freedom Reigns in 2010 as a tee-shirt shop on California’s Melrose Avenue. On a whim, they tested a playful graphic brief on the sales floor. It was a hit with customers and within a few months, Freedom Reigns began unveiling several styles of briefs, trunks, and jockstraps.
Seeing potential to expand their briefs internationally – and with the guidance of Nir Zilberman of the Man Trends Agency - the pair closed their Melrose shop and began distributing their collections (which now included an entire sports range) through boutiques around the world. Zilberman encouraged the pair to emphasize their being American made by adding more red, white and blue to their design palette. In addition to affording their gear with quality comfort and a sexy athletic style all its own, being American Made holds unique significance to both
FASHION Castro and Stallard. Sael Castro grew up in Mexico where citizens are not free to live or love freely. He became a legal resident of the United States in 2006. During the short period when gay marriage was legal in California, he married his business and life partner, Curtis Stallard. In July, they will celebrate their fourth year anniversary. Both men believe that in order to regain its strength; the USA must rebuild its manufacturing infrastructure.
Through Freedom Reigns, they hope to do their small part in restoring the nation’s economy by bringing quality manufacturing back to the states. According to Stallard, “Most large brands today are manufactured off-shore in foreign countries. Consequentially, their quality is inferior. It’s most noticed in the puckering at the waistband where the cotton is sewn to the elastic. It takes time and talent for a seamstress to be able to sew the cotton flat to the elastic. Time and talent are not an offshore quality.” Freedom Reigns believes its customers appreciate quality of fabrics and construction. “They are active, self-assured and freespirited leaders,” says Stallard. Freedom Reigns’ summer collection reflects its customer: the gear is playful and sports minded with a variety of sport stripes, woven stripes and intricate insets on underwear, tee’s, tanks, shorts, long johns and jackets. In addition to the World Champion Collection, the company is unveiling their All American Jockstrap (with an innovative red, white and blue strap), the Silver Racer Brief
8
GRAB Magazine
July 17, 2012
(with its metallic Indy 500 inset panel) and the Academy Brief and Tee. They have also updated some of their popular styles from past seasons. The Fusion Brief now sports colorful stripes and trim. The Body Pump (consisting of color blocks hand sewn together), The G-Force (with inset panels individually sewn to one another, emphasizing the pouch) and the Hybrid Jock a Freedom Reigns creation (which is a combination of sexy underwear and a jockstrap in
Issue 705 July 18 – 25 | 2012
Freedom Reigns Sportswear Celebrates 2012 Summer Games by Ben Coleman reedom Reigns celebrates the summer Olympics this season with its all-new World Champion Collection. Inspired by the flags of leading nations, the line features an assortment of briefs, tanks, tees, jackets and shorts, all coordinating with uniquely bold color combinations set against its patented multistripe red, white and blue elastic waist band.
F
“Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field�, says Curtis Stallard, who runs the
40 | david atlanta
label with his husband Sael Castro. “Our use of asymmetrical color combinations, unique construction and trim is what sets us apart from our competitors. It has become something of an identifying brand in itself.� Sael Castro and Curtis Stallard launched Freedom Reigns in 2010 as a tee-shirt shop in California. On a whim, they tested a playful graphic brief on the sales floor. It was a hit with customers
and within a few months, Freedom Reigns began unveiling several styles of briefs, trunks, and jockstraps. Seeing potential to expand their briefs internationally – and with the guidance of Nir Zilberman of the US-based Man Trends Agency - the pair closed their shop and began distributing their collections (which now included an entire sports range) through boutiques around the world.
42 | davidatlanta
The idea of freedom holds unique significance to both Castro and Stallard. Sael Castro grew up in Mexico where citizens are not free to live or love freely. He became a legal resident of the United States in 2006. During the short period when gay marriage was legal in California, he and Stallard married. In July, they will celebrate their fourth year anniversary. They say their collection reflects the Freedom Reigns customer: gear is playful and sports minded with a variety of sport stripes, woven stripes and intricate insets on underwear, tee’s, tanks, shorts, long johns and jackets. Red, white and blue were a main theme for this Olympic season but the designers also incorporated many of the colors seen on the summer fashion runways including bright canary yellow, fuchsia pink, Ferrari red and charcoal grey. “When designing our summer collections, we felt it was important to remember the spirit of the games,” concludes Stallard. “It’s a spirit that aligns perfectly with our own brand ideology. Freedom Reigns represents
freedom in every aspect of life. We encourage men to live, love and play freely and let freedom reign wherever they are.� Freedom Reigns’ World Champion Collection and the entire Summer 2012 line are available now at select retail stores and online at LAJock.com.
Press Clippings
June 17, 2012 – Hotspots Magazine
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June 2012
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q fashion: FREEDOM REIGNS By Ben Coleman
Freedom Reigns celebrates the summer Olympics this season with its allnew World Champion Collection. Inspired by the flags of leading nations, the line features an assortment of briefs, tanks, tees, jackets and shorts, all coordinating with uniquely bold color combinations set against its patented multi-stripe red, white and blue elastic waist band. “Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field”, says Curtis Stallard, who runs the label with his husband Sael Castro. “Our use of asymmetrical color combinations, unique construction and trim is what sets us apart from our competitors. It has become something of an identifying brand in itself.” Sael Castro and Curtis Stallard launched Freedom Reigns in 2010 as a tee-shirt shop in California. On a whim, they tested a playful graphic brief on the sales floor. It was a hit with customers and within a few months, Freedom Reigns began unveiling several styles of briefs, trunks, and jockstraps. Seeing potential to expand their briefs internationally – and with the guidance of Nir Zilberman of the US-based Man Trends Agency - the pair closed their shop and began distributing their collections (which now included an entire sports range) through boutiques around the world. The idea of freedom holds unique significance to both Castro and Stallard. Sael Castro grew up in Mexico where citizens are not free to live or love freely. He became a legal resident of the United States in 2006. During the short period when gay marriage was legal in California, he and Stallard married. In July, they will celebrate their fourth year anniversary. They say their collection reflects the Freedom Reigns customer: gear is playful and sports minded with a variety of sport stripes, woven stripes and intricate insets on underwear, tee’s, tanks, shorts, long johns and jackets. Red, white and blue were a main theme for this Olympic season but the designers also incorporated many of the colors seen on the summer fashion runways including bright canary yellow, fuchsia pink, Ferrari red and charcoal grey. “When designing our summer collections, we felt it was important to remember the spirit of the games,” concludes Stallard. “It’s a spirit that aligns perfectly with our own brand ideology. Freedom Reigns represents freedom in every aspect of life. We encourage men to live, love and play freely and let freedom reign wherever they are.” Freedom Reigns’ World Champion Collection and the entire Summer 2012 line are available now at select retail stores and online at LAJock.com.
q win: END OF YEAR PRIZE POOL Freedom Reigns Freedom Reigns celebrates the summer Olympics this season with its all-new World Champion Collection. Inspired by the flags of leading nations, the line features an assortment of briefs, tanks, tees, jackets and shorts, all coordinating with uniquely bold color combinations set against its patented multi-stripe red, white and blue elastic waist band. “Like the athletes we design for, Freedom Reigns is a leader in its playing field”, says Curtis Stallard, who runs the label with his husband Sael Castro. “Our use of asymmetrical color combinations, unique construction and trim is what sets us apart from our competitors. It has become something of an identifying brand in itself.” Freedom Reigns’ World Champion Collection and the entire Summer 2012 line are available now at select retail stores and online at www.LAJock.com To celebrate the 2012 Summer Games we have five pairs of Freedom Reign’s World Champion briefs to give away. Prizes in size medium only. Email getfree@qmagazine.com.au with Freedom in the subject line to see if you will add a pair to your wardrobe. Warner Music Electra Heart is a huge leap forward for Marina and promises to be one of the most exciting pop releases of 2012, underlining that she is amongst the most talented young British artists around. A ground-to-air missile of ambitious and confident songs, the record was written and recorded in London and LA over the last 18 months whilst on tour. Featuring 12 brand new self-written tracks, Marina handpicked a close group of collaborators to write and produce with including Dr Luke (Katy Perry), Rick Nowels (Madonna), Liam Howe (Sneaker Pimps) and Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen). Electra Heart is a blisteringly honest story of identity, love, rejection, doomed romance and hope all tinged with humour and British eccentricity. Marina says, “It’s an Ode to dysfunctional love. I based the project around character types commonly found in love stories, film and theatre, usually ones associated with power and control in love, as opposed to weakness or defeat. I guess it was a way of dealing with the embarrassment that, for the first time in my life, I got ‘played’. Rejection is a universally embarrassing topic and Electra Heart is my response to that. It is a frank album”. Electra Heart is out now in all the best music stores through our good friends at Warner Music. We have five cds to give away. Email getfree@qmagazine.com.au with Marina in the subject line to test your luck. Q Magazine Have your favourite monthly LGBTI magazine delivered straight (well gayly forward) to your door. To recognise the end of the financial year we are giving you the opportunity to win a twelve month subscription. That’s twelve issues delivered free to your home or office. If you don’t win, remember you can subscribe for only $36/year. Go to our website - www.qmagazine.com.au for more information. To try and win one of five subscriptions we have on offer, email getfree@qmagazine.com.au with Q Magazine in the subject line. * All prizes are open to everyone, except those which specifically state you must be over 18 to enter. Entries close on the final day of each calendar month with the prize draw taking place at 5pm the following day at Apt. 7, 16 Westbury Grove, St. Kilda East 3183. Names and addresses of people winning prizes valued at or over $250 ONLY will be published in the following issue of QMagazine. All monthly winners are notified by email.
possible dallas announcement
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the school
By Mario A. Weir
The Over Achiever
Lookin’ Sick in Any Clique t’s that time again, kids! Time to stock up on #2 pencils, marble books, Trapper Keepers… and to rejoin the mass of struggling identities in a sea of cliques. In an effort to help you better understand the subtle social dynamics of the educational experience, we’ve put together a list of our favorite student archetypes and the underwear best suited for them.
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You know the type: he expertly juggles his role as hall monitor with duties as head of the Straight Gay Alliance, member of the student council and captain of the fencing team, among his many other activities. For the upstanding student with the stellar extracurricular record and the aspiration to become class president at any cost, Studwear presents its Brandon Brief, a low rise trunk with front contoured pouch, white waist band, grey piping, and the patented Stud International print in white on the left side. In these briefs, you will get the job done. $36.00/LAJock.com
The Jock Want to be in the club? Timoteo offers exclusive access to the in-crowd with their ClubHouse brief. Made from 96% cotton and 4% spandex, the exceptional fit and stretch make these the perfect gear for the carb fed athlete to sport while elbowing dweebs into lockers. Briefs feature the sexy open back of Timoteo’s popular Athlete Jock, but with more thigh and frontal coverage. The attractive black side panels with white trim and a grey pouch are topped off with Timoteo’s red, white, and black waistband and a patch bearing the sporty Timoteo logo. The gear looks extra sporty worn alone with a lettermen jacket. $32.00/Timoteo.net
The Stoner For the guys that missed Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” anti-drug program of the ‘80s, Addicted offers it basic brief made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex. The low cut and snug grip of the brief is bad-ass but what’s most smoking is the provocative waistband that boldly and unapologetically declares what everyone else in the school already suspected. $31.00/ESCollectionUSA.com
The Prep For the well-coiffed man dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, who says “ugh” about nothing and eschews being within ten feet of anyone who even appears to be homeless, Freedom Reigns presents the sharp-looking Academy brief. Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, it’s a sexy low rise brief in Ivy League colors that perfectly fulfill every extrinsic desire of the modern prep: the briefs look good, are sure to win friends, and because they’re a relatively new brand – everyone will die to know where and how you got them. $31.50/LAJock.com
The Prep For the well-coiffed man dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, who says “ugh” about nothing and eschews being within ten feet of anyone who even appears to be homeless, Freedom Reigns presents the sharp-looking Academy brief. Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, it’s a sexy low rise brief in Ivy League colors that perfectly fulfill every extrinsic desire of the modern prep: the briefs look good, are sure to win friends, and because they’re a relatively new brand – everyone will die to know where and how you got them. $31.50/LAJock.com