The First Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Florida and no one knows how amazing our waters are than the people who surf them. And when it comes to surfing, there is no better time of year to grab a board than during the summer months.
A board and a bathing suit aren’t the only things you’ll need to make a splash this summer.
Osso Clothing Company, a new fashion venture from four local First Coast beach kids, has got you covered. It’s motto — we clothe locals.
Osso stems from the Timucua word "Ossachite" meaning "city by the river." Ossachite was the largest Timucua town when European settlers arrived and was located in what is now modern day Jacksonville.
Osso Clothing takes everything that is fun about the beach lifestyle and puts it on a shirt, providing locals with a way to show their pride for the beaches they love and love to surf.
According to Lindsey Monroe, the parnership between herself, Will Ruth, Christian Stowers and Andrew Maher started in March.
"The Beaches community is really open to local companies," Monroe said. "We wanted to do something targeted to the Jacksonville Beach [and the Beaches] markets."
Monroe said the group felt there was a need within the community to cater to locals that have pride and unity in their individucal towns and also celebrate the unity of the beach towns along the First Coast.
And Osso Clothing was born.
Ruth, a Florida State College graphic design student, said he wanted to find a way to put to use his friends and his combined talents and create somthing fresh.
Monroe said the response to Osso Clothing has been great. The group officially debuted their line of shirts at Dancing in the Streets in Atlantic Beach earlier this summer.
"We bought a silk screener and we make everything out of [our] garage," she said. "Its really creative driven."
Each shirt has a unique design, crafted by the Osso design team. The company uses bright colors and eye catching designs to capture the vibe of the Beaches surf culture. The company’s logo is simple, with the crest of a wave imbedded within the "O" of Osso.
Monroe said they currenly have seven different shirt designs, but they do custom orders for clients as well.
"Because we can [make shirts] in our driveway, we do custom orders," she said. "Any ink color or mixture of ink [is available]."
But its not just fashion that this team is into. Osso Clothing sponsors local surfers and is even hosting its own surf contest in July. Monroe said they felt there was a need for Osso Clothing within the community and they are excited to be participating in so many events.
For more information about Osso Clothing, visit www.ossoclothing.com or email info@ossoclothing.com
July 12th 2010 - 2:09PM