Holstee isn't just a shop for unique fashion items, it's just as much about lifestyle and purpose. Founded by two brothers, Mike and Dave Radparvar, and their friend Fabian Pfortmüller, Holstee launched as a "lifestyle design with a conscience" brand in 2009.
They started selling t-shirts made from recycled bottle and gave 10% of sales to microlending organization Kiva.org, which empowers entrepreneurs living in poverty to create stable sources of income. (They still give 10% for each purchase.) Not long after, they launched the Holstee Wallet (we featured it on Trend Hunter) after Mike couldn't find one he liked. Adhering to their triple bottom line traditions (People, Planet, Product), they partnered with a nonprofit in India that collects plastic bags from the streets and turns them into textiles for the wallets.
They also have a section on the site called Curated x Holstee where they showcase socially responsible designs through stories, newsletter, their shop and through videos.
They're an edgy, fun brand, which is reflected in their entire online presence. Even the Holstee manifesto (which replaces their business plan) is presented in a creative way.
"This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV... Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion."
Contact Information
Holstee website
Holstee on Twitter
Holstee on Facebook
Manifesto-Driven Fashion
Holstee Wants Customers to Consider People, Planet, Product
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Fashion - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing fashion items made from recycled materials to promote environmental sustainability.
2. Socially Responsible Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Showcasing and promoting designs that are socially responsible through storytelling and online platforms.
3. Lifestyle Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating a brand that focuses on purpose and encourages individuals to live their dreams and pursue their passions.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating sustainable materials and practices into the fashion industry.
2. Nonprofit - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with nonprofits to create innovative products and promote social responsibility.
3. Retail - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing lifestyle design concepts and purpose-driven products into the retail industry.