Kik Wear Industries, a Los Angeles-based apparel designer, has launched a line of shoes named after and inspired by Orange County and Los Angeles cities. The most popular seller: the Irvine shoe, which Kik Wear says is a hit with college students and professionals.
The Irvine, a suede leather shoe in olive or chocolate brown, represents one of five OC cities with their own Kik Wear shoe design.
“We wanted there to be a local flavor to the collection,” said Alex Berenson, Kik Wear president.
Among the list of OC shoes is the Fullerton, Anaheim, Laguna, Tustin and Foothill Ranch models, each with their own distinct style.
Brentton Ji, president of Koud 6 Inc., which is making the shoes for Kik Wear, said the new line is based on the philosophy of youthful lifestyles that are playful and comfortable.
“In Orange County, especially in Irvine, people are more relaxed, playful and smart,” said Ji, a former vice president of Vans Inc. “It’s not just about selling shoes. We really live in it.”
Ji said the company hopes to expand the line to major cities like New York and Chicago.
Hot Topic Inc., based in the city of Industry, plans to sell the shoes in its stores this fall. Irvine shop Urban Guerilla also plans to sell them.
“The shoes have the Vans look with a lot of character and detail,” said Daveed Ilouz, owner of Urban Guerilla, a trendy shop catering to college students.
Kik Wear, which has 44 employees and had $21 million in sales last year, operates Kik Girl, Greed Girl, Greed Garments and Kik Wear Accessories. The company was formed in 1991 and four years ago tried unsuccessfully to launch a shoe line.
“The new shoe line this year has been well received,” Berneson said. “We also hope companies will identify better with the shoes if they’re named after the cities they’re selling in.” n
