Warrior of Radness was created by Rick Klotz, who also established the label Freshjive. Klotz takes inspiration for the line from where beach culture meets city culture lifestyle in Los Angeles. Specifically, from the beach and surf style of the ’80s, when this type of fashion coming out of California was unique onto its own. Now that it’s warming up outside, we’re ready to hit the beach ourselves, so we got some insider tips on the surf scene from Rick himself! Click through for the interview.
Can you give us a brief background of the brand?
RK: I started Warriors of Radness a few years ago, but it really started as a different name in 2004. I just mutated it into W.O.R. at some point. I loved to surf (though I didn’t like todays surf scene) and I loved the original vibe of surf gear from the 70′s and 80′s and how it was very unique to itself and soulful. That is, until the surf companies got greedy and turned commercial surf clothing into a pile of soul-less-inner-thigh-chaffing crap. We wanted to produce everything locally here in L.A., so we did, but the cost of making it here is higher than what you see in surf stores, so we decided to target fashion boutiques instead.
Where does the 80′s California vibe seen throughout the collection stem from?
RK: It stems from 80′s California.
How does Warriors make ‘beachy’ fashion relevant to people everywhere?
RK: I’ve never considered it “relevant”. It’s moreso a style that, to me, is ”classic” California casual. The look is completely unique to Southern California, though there’s a strain in Australia and a strain in Florida. It’s a particular look and feel, and I assume that anyone into style and clothing likes to mix it up and appreciates authentic looks. For example, if I’m gonna buy a really nice suit, I’d buy it from Saville Row and not Los Angeles, California. If I’m gonna buy a kimono I ain’t gonna buy it from Pakistan.
What can we look forward to seeing next from Warriors?
RK: More chicks, more beer, more waves, more sunshine. And more of the same: California casual style. With a lot of attitude.
Shop your own California casual style here. Thanks Rick!
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