Streetwear Spotlight: Imperial Motion

Article written by: Asmara Wreksono
Posted on: February 23, 2010

SoJones.com has featured tons of start-up brands that had humble beginnings.  It’s our hope to motivate and share inspirations for aspiring designers to keep on pursuing their dreams of starting their own labels.  That’s why it always excites us to find like-minded people such as the folks at Imperial Motion, a clothing line with really strong skate, surf and snow roots, which according to their MySpace page “wishes to support those who are cast away for their unwillingness to be led in any one direction…Representing the Underachiever”.  And they do represent a lot of up and coming artists and musicians through their campaign.  But first things first: Imperial Motion also has an awesome clothing collection.  One of the founders of Imperial Motion, Steve Goetz, introduces his brand to SoJones.com readers.

Introduce yourself and describe how your brand was started?
My name is Steve Goetz; I am one of the co-founders of Imperial Motion. We started in 2002 in a one car garage, with a single screen press, seven credit cards, and the vision that got us here today.

Describe this season’s theme for your line. Include any sources of inspiration (examples: 80’s punk, muses like Amber Rose, 70’s disco bands, Kanye, etc)
The inspiration came from our campaign for this year, Style + Substance, which was formed on the basis that our brand has quality aspect to each piece on top of great style. We try and base the graphics in each collection on what is happening within our company at that time.

Any product placements on celebs to keep an eye out for (examples: publicity photos, magazines, movies, music videos etc)
We have a few things in the works right now, but nothing official. Teaming up with musicians, actors, and artists that share our same outlook is important to us. Keep up to date with co-labs and product features at www.imperialmotion.com

What has been a surprise fashion hit over the last year? (a particular piece, a look or even another brand)
Last year our fitted hats just killed it. We kept it clean and simple with some really off the wall color options.

What current fashion trend would you like to see thrown overboard?
Neon and full coverage tattoo artwork are a couple things I wouldn’t mind never seeing again.

What is/was one of your most prized fashion pieces, past or present?
I would have to say our denim is our most prized fashion pieces right now. We have spent the last two years perfecting the fit and style. Its one of the hardest items in a clothing line to get right and now it’s dialed.

TuPac or Biggie?
“Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real” – TuPac

And here are some of SoJones-approved Imperial Motion gear that are too cool to be real.  But they are, though, and you can view the full collection on their official website at www.imperialmotion.com.  To get the IM swagger, prepare to shell out between $15-$60, which is a very reasonable price range for the new level of coolness they offer.