Fashion T-Shirts from Johnny Cupcakes
Limited Edition Clothing and Accessories Inspired by Cupcakes
Aug 11, 2009
There is something totally irresistible about this brand – almost better than the sweet taste of cupcakes themselves. Johnny Cupcakes produces limited edition clothing and accessories with cupcakes on them. While some get confused at the idea that Johnny doesn’t actually sell edible cupcakes, that is half the joy in a brand that started out as a joke and now has become a fashion.
A Brand Is Born
John Earl is a college dropout and successful entrepreneur that turned a joke into a profitable t-shirt and accessories business. In 2000, after graduating high school, he enrolled in college. After only a few weeks, he discovered college wasn’t for him and dropped out. He then went to work at a silkscreen shop a few days a week as well as a record shop called “Newbury Comics.”
Each day he came into work, his coworkers would give him a new nickname: “Johnny Pancakes,” “Johnny Appleseed,” and “Johnny Coffeecakes.” Johnny saw the humor in these nicknames and one of them actually stuck: “Johnny Cupcakes.” The logo, a simple cupcake and crossbones, was born. Johnny thought it would be funny to make a few random shirts at his silk screening job with this logo on it.
He began wearing his creation to work and around town. People would stop him with compliments and questions on how they could get one. And, this is when his brand began to make a presence.
Limited Edition T-Shirts
One of the highlights that Johnny Cupcakes prides himself on is that his brand is limited. You won’t find his shirts printed in mass quantities. He has been approached by large retailers such as Urban Outfitters and Macy’s who had wanted to carry his brand. However, Johnny prefers to keep is brand more personal.
Shirts are often inspired by baking themes and 80’s icons. There’s a certain level of nostalgia about this brand that just makes the consumer feel good with a warm and tingly feeling inside. And, collecting the shirts becomes almost addicting.
While some may consider his shirts to be overpriced, it’s important to remember that they are limited edition. Some of the shirts are even limited to 100 shirts or fewer.
Limited Edition Accessories
This brand has more recently branched into accessories. Accessories are also limited and have included iPhone cases, belts, necklaces, purses, water bottles, keychains, and posters.
Where to Buy Johnny Cupcakes
Official Johnny Cupcakes clothing and accessories can be bought exclusively online at johnnycupcakes.com. He also has three retails stores located in Hull and Boston, Massachusetts as well as a store in Los Angeles, CA.
- Boston, MA – 279 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116
- Hull, MA – 17 D Nantasket Road Hull, MA 02045
- Los Angeles, CA – 7959 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046
Culture, Events, and Lifestyle
Johnny lives a drug and alcohol free lifestyle and this has inspired others to do the same. He has gained a lot of respect by building culture and lifestyle around his brand. Many of the people that purchase items from this brand are loyal buyers and followers. Over 100 people have the logo of the cupcake and crossbones tattooed on their body.
Johnny Cupcakes is truly a fun brand to buy, wear, and follow. Receiving a package after an online purchase is a unique experience in itself. There is much to learn about fashion, design, and business from a brand that started as a joke and a founder who has made a unique experience around his clothing.
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