The Fishtown District is always the trend setters when it comes to food, architecture, entertainment, and urban fashion. This week, Marc and Kae welcome one of the prominent international designers in streetwear, Jay Pross, owner/operator of Art History 101. Prior to the launch of Art History 101 and the founder Jay Pross attending the Art Institute of Philadelphia perfecting his craft, Art History 101 T-shirts were being designed and developed in his mother’s basement on clean white tee’s for friends to purchase. Once the demand increased, Jay brought his talents to a local brand accomplishing world wide recognition from music videos to magazine covers by the age of XX. It was time to start the Art History 101, a brand bringing his and Philadelphia’s creative history to the masses.
A brand that was debuted before 10 shirts were made and before the doors were open on Frankford Avenue, the Art History 101 brand caught the attention of millions of eyes overnight. This was achieved by having rap star Soulja Boy appear on the December 2007 cover of The Source Magazine in Art History 101’s first t-shirt during a time Soulja Boy had the #1 single in the country; “Crank That”.
Art History 101 was founded in 2008 with opening its doors on Frankford Avenue for walk in business in 2010. Simply through word of mouth the business grew organically not only by keeping the doors open but growing the brand into becoming one of the strongest in the Philly & Streetwear market. Something that is not done overnight and by one person but also includes the overwhelming support not only by locals, but by such heavyweights in the hip hop culture such as rappers Peedi Crack, Soulja Boy, Reef the Lost Cauze, DMX, Royce da 5’9, Tone Trump, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more. Find a design that speaks your Art History and educate the masses!
Join us as Jay shares his extraordinary story, from humble beginnings to world-wide acclaim, and hear how the Fishtown District plays a leading role in the future of this special artist.