URB1 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ZEBRA 83

Article written by: Rodrick Rainey
Posted on: November 26, 2004

Zebra 83 is a new breeze through west coast flavor. With a logo that is getting thumbs up from Street heads on all coasts, they are ready to move forward this coming year, full throttle. Found by urb1 a while back, zebra83 even put a few pieces of clothing in the 1st urb1 fashion Show, which the models took home with, truly loving the design. Now urb1 is getting the scoop On what’s going on with this line and what we can expect.

( URB1 ) ALRIGHT, WE START ALL INTERVIEWS OUT BY LETTING EVERYONE KNOW WHO WE’RE SPEAKING TO AND YOUR POSITION WITHIN THE COMPANY. SO PLEASE GIVE US THAT INFO AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU FEEL NECESSARY FOR YOUR PROPER INTRODUCTION.

( ZEBRA 83 ) Evan James, CEO Zebra83 Threads, 21 yrs young, business is located in San Luis Obispo, CA. I’m originally from Santa Rosa CA the 707.

( URB1 ) NOW, LET ME GET INTO THE MEANING OF YOUR CLOTHING LINE’S NAME AND LOGO. WHAT EXACTLY MADE YOU CHOOSE THE NUMBER 83? WHY THE NAME ZEBRA? AND WHAT’S THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BLACK & WHITE COLORING?

( ZEBRA 83 ) The number 83 comes from the year I was born. It’s called Zebra because it’s an animal that is black and white, it lives with both prejudices as one. The face of our urban culture is the face of a Zebra. Hip Hop has brought black, white, and all other races together through music.

( URB1 ) WHEN LOOKING AT THE LOGO, HAVE YOU EVER ASKED PEOPLE WHAT THEY FIRST THINK IT MEANS? IF SO, WHAT’S SOME OF THE USUAL ANSWERS?

( ZEBRA 83 ) Yes, majority understand the metaphor of a Zebra representing urban culture. The usual answers are along the lines of… “Oh, that’s hot!” or “I can feel that and respect the message.” Once I sold $200 worth of clothes to an used car salesman. He was black and his wife was white, and he told me his kids were Zebra’s. I feel he understood the message of the clothes to the fullest.

( URB1 ) HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT MAKING SOME POLO SHIRTS WITH THE LOGO? I THINK THAT WOULD BE A HOT MINI-LOGO FOR THE UPPER LEFT CHEST PATCH. REALLY, IT CAN ROCK ON ANYTHING BUT I THINK THE LOGO PATCH SEWN ON BUTTON UPS AND OTHER COLLARED SHIRTS WOULD LOOK REAL NICE. ANY PLANS TO MAKE SUCH PRODUCTS?

( ZEBRA 83 ) Yeah, fo show. I stepped into this game cold known nothing about this industry. Now that I have my first year under my belt I can further advance my company into developing higher end cotour including collared shirts, dress shirts, and suits. It’s all about time and money.

( URB1 ) WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON MAKING IN THE NEXT YEAR OR SO? WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED TO BE SEEN AT THE NEXT URB1 FASHION SHOW OR ON URB1.COM FROM YOU ALL?

( ZEBRA 83 ) I plan on releasing a total of 12 new garments including 1 bonus garment for the first half of 2005. The line will include shirts, a pull over hoodie, and sweat suit. I also have a new website comin out for 2005. At the URB1 Fashion Show you will be able to see the entire line of Zebra83 2005 as well as hear the freshest upcoming artists sponsored by Zebra83 Threads. Lastly, be lookn for free product giveaways on URB1.com sponsored by Zebra83 Threads.

( URB1 ) I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE ASKED THIS BEFORE THE LAST QUESTION BUT WHERE ALL CAN YOUR PRODUCTS BE PURCHASED AT FROM A PHYSICAL STANDPOINT? WHAT STATES & CITIES HAVE STORES WITH ZEBRA83 CLOTHING?

( ZEBRA 83 ) Zebra83 Threads can be purchased physically in select stores throughout CA, AZ, and VA. Many more to come too. Zebra83.com is the number place sales come from.

( URB1 ) ON A QUICK NOTE, WHAT’S GOOD WITH THE FEMALE LINE? ARE YOU GOING TO GET INTO THAT AT ALL?

( ZEBRA 83 ) The female line is currently in constant development. I’m working with different female designers to release the women’s line. The line’s name is…….. But don’t be telling anybody about that yet cause it’s hot! The womens line is expected to be released middle of Jan 2k5.

( URB1 ) MUMS THE WORD MAN AND OH YEAH, A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE GETTING THOSE 3D SUNGLASSES FROM YOU GUYS BUT DIDN’T UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY WERE TO BE USED FOR? WAS IT JUST SOMETHING TO HAVE FOR LEISURE WEAR OR WAS THERE AN ACTUAL USAGE TO THEM?

( ZEBRA 83 ) The 3D glasses are for the website. Zebra83 is the first clothing company with a 3D website. We wanted to attract customers to our site in a way that is not conventional.

( URB1 ) THAT’S DEFINITELY WHAT’S UP EVAN. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO DO AN I-VIEW WITH URB1 AND I’M SURE THE REST OF THE PEOPLE GOT SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED THEY ALREADY HAD IN THEIR HEAD. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY IN THE CLOSING OF THIS I-VIEW?

( ZEBRA 83 ) Rod, I appreciate you holdn it down with the only real hip hop fashion website. Thank you for your consideration of Zebra83 Threads to be featured in your magazine and web site.

Lastly, I gotta give respect to Matt Rite who is always holdn it down with the hottest beats to come out of Cali and always working with the dopest artists…. My Vice President Big “V” aka Varnie Dennis… he is my mentor and one of the realest muthafuckas I know, and lastly Truthlive for inspring me through his music to stay on my hustle and grind and make this company a reality.

Respect and Stay Up,
Evan James