Why do we even exist?
Let me be point blank with you,
In the very beginning, there was no meaning. No "mission" or “purpose” for Point Blanks. In fact, the name "Point Blanks" wasn't even a thought in my brain yet. It all started with one simple idea in my mom's basement.
Growing up, I had seen my fair share of clothing designs. The bold, the old, the trending, the "how could anybody wear that in public?!" trending, and more. Looking back however, it was the clothing with obnoxious quotes and odd one liners that forever stick in my memory.
Do you remember as a kid when your parent would randomly shield your eyes? Not from physical danger, but from what someone was wearing. The clothes that would spark dangerous curiosity in a child... and maybe a few too many questions. Those clothes.
Now there is a wide range of quote apparel these days, but the ones that were bold and daringly comedic always stuck with me. I thought the unique ones that made you do a double-take to get it, were absolute gold. There were, however, two major problems.
-
These clothes flat out SUCKED!!! Every time I bought one, it was the same generic, itchy, uncomfortable, low-quality clothing that faded after two washes. It may had been funny, but so was the quality of the material.
-
I had an... altered sense of humor. I'm the kind of person who's a bit too self-aware for his own good and a tad of an over thinker. With that, many things in my life became meta. For example, picture someone casually reading a book in one of those crowded mall massage chairs, but with a fake cover that says "How To Kill Your Family with Rubber Ducks" in bold text. That kind of thing would never fail to bring me to tears of laughter.
With those 2 problems bouncing in my head like pendulum balls, I started having ideas. First, an idea for a shirt saying "SECURITY'S SECURITY". Then the idea for more subtle ‘not in your face’ styled phrases like "definitely trying to sell you something" and "wtf is going on right now". It was slowly… but surely coming to life.
My friends didn't understand the concept at first, but the phrases - "why would he wear that?" “he’s giving himself away wearing that” “that totally contradicts him” or the immediate assumption "he must be full of himself" - that became what makes Point Blanks so special.
Its the unique subtlety that catches your awareness right after catching your eye, and the immediate personal connection felt after reading and being in on it. Point Blanks genuinely brings out a playful curiosity in others who get it. You could be exploring a new city, meeting a new date, or lounging with friends - Point Blanks connects in any social setting. And the real beauty? Not everybody understands - but you'll know immediately who does.
And heres the thing, not everyone should "get it", because tothe people that really do understand... they appreciate it more, are uniquely understood, and to my discovery, often find themselves (to those wearing Point Blanks) attracting individuals with very similar taste around them!
Seriously! I've experienced this countless times firsthand and seen it happen to others! Point Blanks has this rare ability to connect like minded people together, in a playful and light hearted way, without you even having to speak first! It is truly incredible and a great honor of mine to be able to keep a radical idea like this alive and breathing. And I believe you too, can find community and connection through authentic and unique expression as I have.
To unique and authentic expression,
- Phoenix Filichia (Founder & CEO)
(P.S. - My favorite to wear out on social nights is the "wtf is going on right now" shirt. It's a wonderful icebreaker! I'll link that here :p)