When asking a normal, educated person on the streets about what Brooklyn is best known for, you are most likely going to get a pretty predictable collection of responses, Biggie, Hipsters in Williamsburg, Flatbush, Jay Z and some other assorted things likely dealing with Nathans and cheese cake. Chances are however, that they will not bring up red suede dress shoes, perfectly tailored nautical dress shirts, brass belts and pocket ties adorning young men who only years ago were draped in Streetwear’s finest offerings. There is a movement afoot down in Brooklyn that is decidedly original and separate from the typical Soho scene just a short subway ride away. The Brooklyn Circus is far from your normal retail space and the group of people who consider themselves members of the BKC movement march to a very different drum beat.
The physical Brooklyn Circus retail space has existed in Brooklyn for a good amount of time, I remember discovering the boutique around 2006 when they were well known for providing some exclusive sneakers and labels not available anywhere else in the borough. Those labels included names like Rich Yung, a label I distinctly remember the BK Circus pushing with fervor upon the initial drop. The Circus delved into its own label around this time as well, delivering a mix of bright neon colored t-shirts and hoodies that bore a simple but definitive BKC block letter design.
Pictured above is a group shot of the Brooklyn Circus family circa 2006. Fast forward the clock a few years to mid-2008 and compare where the BKC was in 2006 to the product they are introducing in 2009 and even the most salty observer would have to nod their head in respect for the amount of growth the Circus family has undergone.
In an utter and completely astonishing transformation from standard sneaker boutique to all encompassing lifestyle brand, full apparel line, and amazing retail front, the Circus has officially made an impressive name for itself as one of the elite New York boutiques.
The Circus has done an amazing job creating a community around its clothing. Not only is the attention to detail, garment construction, and originality in production on par with nearly any other upstart label on the market right now, they have crafted a veritable community around their product. Instead of merely supplying their customers with a t-shirt here and logo adorned jeans there, the Circus has fostered an environment of mutual uplifting on the part of employee and customer.
The well tailored, prep-inspired, classic style of clothing that has come to define the Circus members has become the brand itself. Those who aspire to the clean style of dress have found a home in Brooklyn that welcomes new-comers with open arms, a wise word, and a helping hand which they are always quick to extend upon your walking into the store. The clothing itself should also not be overlooked, consistently improving and becoming more in-depth with each offering, the entire Brooklyn Circus collection is impressive for a label that just years ago was producing pullover hoodies with fat neon colored sneaker laces for the draw strings.
The Circus’s transformation should truly come as inspiration to anyone hoping to make headway in the retail or design market. With careful attention to not only detail in clothing, but the details that exist in fostering a family environment around a line has allowed this small Brooklyn based line to flourish in the face of difficult times for the industry. Worth the trip into downtown Brooklyn when you get tired of the same old presentation from the boutiques in Soho.
One of the dopest brands right now to this point!I love BKC!
