“Count blessings, not calories” is righteous advice. And while you enjoy “waffles are for weekends,” consider “death before decaf.” Not the cooking wherewithal for occasional cooks or even taglines strewn over the entry of hip restaurants, these are the monikers of the Pyknic clothing line, original food-inspired clothing with a punchy attitude.
At the helm of the eating-culture-inspired line is Stephen Thompson. The 29-year-old New Jersey native is shaking things up with both hands in the clothing world. All about food, with a vicious urge for exploring, Thompson’s clothing line is a playfully homogenized palate of food and wearables.
Bloomberg Business named Pyknic a 2010 top contender for young entrepreneurship, but the brand’s burgeoning success hasn’t left Thompson straying from his roots in irreverent apparel choices or the parallel to the culture that goes along with the brand. Very much tied to the community and shining the same light that was cast upon his own path, Thompson is serious about energizing other up and comers. From models to photographers and even the company’s screenprinter, Pyknic has stayed true to the energy of the company’s early days. “I am into giving them a shot, like others gave me,” said Thompson, of spreading the wealth of opportunities that buzz around the brand.
Downingtown is getting the showroom. Set to open in the spring, Pyknic’s brick-and-mortar space will open at 215 W. Lancaster Avenue. Why Downingtown? “I’m trying to associate with that smaller, handmade feel” rather than a flashy retail space in New York or even in nearby Philadelphia. “And everybody here has been great,” Thompson said of the convivial Downingtown. “Everyone is super friendly, from the residents to Parking Enforcement,” he laughed. As the new 500-square-foot showroom in Downingtown takes shape, pugs and unofficial brand mascots, Sirius Black and Duncan, can be found on the job guarding the sofa as Thompson works on the brand’s latest designs. Pyknic fans have taken a shining to the quirkiness of the label, even taking to the pugs with a following all their own.
Rooted in community spirit. Pyknic partners with other small businesses and those that share the mission of the brand. You will find Philadelphia Woodcraft tables in the new space. The local artisan is custom crafting a six-foot table to showcase the wearables. Thompson is also looking to give neighborhood talent a boost by providing internship opportunities.
Setting a course westbound. Thompson would like to expand the retail presence in California. “There are so many shops and these little towns” that would do well to offer the Pyknic line, joining the already existing venues offering the wearables.
Thinking locally acting locally. Thompson is energized about bringing even more life to the Downingtown profile. “I want to offer something different beyond the great food,” professed the culinary adventurer. Already replete with the likes of Victory Brewing Company, Station Taproom and Amani, the Pyknic showroom offers a retail experience to drive even more foot traffic.
Donned by the likes of Playboy models and scattered all over Inked magazine, the style is more for the inspired and living-out-loud set rather than the button-down and tie crowd. Lots of black and white, there is no subtlety in Pykinic’s message—big flavors that you can wear. Look for the Downingtown showroom—as well as Duncan and Sirius Black—in early spring.
- Photos: Jim Berman
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