Bean Dip

DJ AM sporting the 44th tee.

DJ AM sporting the 44th tee.

Just like bean dip  is the perfect match for tortilla chips, Bean Dip clothing is the perfect match for trendy fashionistas out there. The birth of Bean Dip was pretty humble – it was a side project that screen-printed exclusive shirts by hand.

The clothing line, founded by James Russell and Bill Smeltzer in 2006, is inspired by the many facets of people, life, and music. Before the founding of Bean Dip, James was a college boy who doted on graphic and web site design, while Bill was brushing up on the tricks of business and marketing.

As students at the Flagler College of St. Augustine in Florida, James and Bill began learning the process of silk screening at the comfort of James’ basement. Their goal was simple: to make funky shirts and stickers they like to sport and wear.

After graduation, both found their current careers to be boring, so they decided to start up their own business. “(Bean Dip) kept snowballing and snowballing…I guess in 2006 we said, ‘Why don’t we make this a legitimate business?’” Bill told Shorenewstoday.com. Fortunately, their educational backgrounds was the perfect mix, and so Bean Dip was born.

“We wanted to make clothing that focused more on the design aspect, not a name, the name was to be irrelevant or even misleading. Design of the tees have two aspects, one from a close view showing detail, and another for the overall look from afar,” said James.

Tru Sosa wearing the Bee Sting tee.

Tru Sosa wearing the Bee Sting tee.

So why name the line Bean Dip? James said: “It’s kind of half meant to be a little bit misleading and irrelevant, as well.” Actually, Bean Dip was the moniker of an old friend.

James and Bill, who are responsible for the designing and hand screening of the main line, live by this philosophy: “if anyone works hard and believes in what they are doing, success will soon follow.”

Aside from James’ and Bill’s designs, Bean Dip also has a line designed by “The Artist Connection,” comprised of Danny Jones, Matt Collins, Jason Woodside, Main Ingredients, Butta Verses, Seth Mann, Wormzilla, B-Boy Fidget, and Daryl Waller.

Bestsellers for both the men’s and women’s departments include the 44th tee, Progress tee, Groundhog day tee, Victory tee, Run D.C. tee, Illest tee, Meltdown tee, Bee sting tee, Boltz tee, Midget vs Giant tee, Worldwide button up hoodie, Quilt hoodie, Front Porch Sittin hoodie, and the Trinity hats.

Notable personalities seen in Bean Dip include DJ AM and up and coming  artist Tru Sosa. Bean Dip merchandise has also been featured in Antenna magazine. So if you want to grab a hold of Bean Dip merchandise, the label is currently available through a number of retailers across the nation, as well as in Poland, Germany, Switzerland, UK, Japan, Korea, Puerto Rico, and Singapore. Online transactions can also be made through 80spurple.com, Amazingstore.jp, Cassettepunch.com, Eastwestworldwide.com, Karmaloop.com, Mooseshirts.com, thisokay.dk, Turntablelab.com, and Undergroundhiphop.com.

To get your fix of Bean Dip, visit its official website: www.beandipclothing.com.