California Apparel News

Vast tribes of nomads no longer wander the earth. But Jodi Thomas and Hushi Mortezaie, former art director of T-shirt powerhouse Mighty Fine Inc., make T-shirts with their Los Angeles–based T-shirt label, Wenanami, for tribes of people who love bohemian looks and tribal art.

Graphics on the Wenanami T-shirt label are inspired by the art of tribal peoples in Third World countries. The silhouettes are for the wearer’s inner bohemian, Mortezaie said.

“It’s for a nomad, a world traveler,” Mortezaie explained. “Drapey, loose tees that have a nice hand to them. … The designs are very global tribe.”

Silhouettes include tank tops, muscle tees that feature scoop necks and drapes, and Dolman T-shirts. The shirts bear graphics from artists such as Ellen Love Vaman, who is based in Australia.

Retail price points range from $24 to $34, and Thomas said the line will be shipped to mall retailer Zumiez in June. Proceeds from the company will go to support nonprofits that bring art to at-risk youth across the globe, such as the Common Threadz, headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Later this year, Thomas’ Throwback International company will debut a new line called Hushi Robot, which is designed by Mortezaie. The high-fashion tee line will be inspired by the world of Japanese animation. “We want to make it animation for all ages that is about challenging stereotypes and being unique,” Mortezaie said. For more information, email kornerrunway@gmail.com.