idea come from?
Hypebeast Community Center: Spotlight on THOMAS/ORITO, the Underground Streetwear Brand Taking Over NYC
The Five Ws of THOMAS/ORITO: Who, What, When, Where, and Why
Who is rocking THOMAS/ORITO? According to founders Kohei Orito and Jordan Nichollas, it’s their friends who are sporting the brand.
What is the main message behind THOMAS/ORITO? According to Nichollas, it’s all about embracing change and being influenced by the vibrant energy of New York City. Drawing inspiration from artists like Stanley Whitney, David Smith, and Wade Guyton, the brand plays with color, space, and texture to create unique graphics, symbols, and sayings. Orito adds that the brand also celebrates the beauty in imperfection.
When was THOMAS/ORITO officially launched? According to Nichollas, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact date as the brand originally started as a way to make gifts for friends. However, it gained recognition when Nepenthes approached them to collaborate on a pop-up in March 2022.
Where can you find people wearing THOMAS/ORITO? Nichollas says that the brand is mostly seen on the streets of New York, but also has a following among friends in Japan.
Why was THOMAS/ORITO created? According to Orito, it was a way for him and Nichollas to express themselves beyond just graphics and words. They wanted to create something meaningful using shape, color, and space.
About THOMAS/ORITO: Where Art Meets Streetwear
How have your backgrounds influenced the direction of THOMAS/ORITO? Nichollas explains that growing up in New York, he found beauty in things that others may see as repulsive, such as a poorly-painted wall or an old poster board covered in layers of fliers. Orito, who is originally from Japan but has been living in New York for a decade, draws inspiration from his alternate perspective and the people around him.
How does the brand’s love for art translate into tangible goods? According to Nichollas, art is the philosophy behind everything they do. They draw inspiration from artists like David Smith, who created beautiful pieces from industrial machine parts during World War II. This allows them to create graphics that may not be immediately recognizable or relatable, but are open to interpretation by the people who wear them.
Where did the idea of hand-painting pieces with spray cans come from? Nichollas explains that it was inspired by David Smith’s work and his ability to transform everyday objects into something new and meaningful. This hands-on approach adds a personal touch to each piece and sets THOMAS/ORITO apart from other streetwear brands.
