PILSEN — After years of dreaming up their own designs, two best friends have launched their own clothing line in Pilsen.
Friends Noel Estrada and Pablo Ponce have pooled their creative talents to launch FWRD Collection, a streetwear line for men and women, out of their Pilsen apartment. The clothing line, which features T-shirts, tanks and hats — and ninjas — their own spin on the long sleeve hooded T-shirt — officially launched online Saturday.
The cotton collection retails online for $21-$27, and items will ship free through July 20.
Pilsen-based FWRD Collection apparel includes T-shirts, tanks and hats for men and women. [FWRD Collection]
The 26-year-olds met in a summer program before their freshman year at Curie Metropolitan High School in Archer Heights and have been inseparable ever since.
"People always say, 'Are you guys brothers?'" Ponce said. "And I'll [joke], 'No, we're cousins.'"
Estrada, a native of McKinley Park, and Ponce, from Marquette Park, share an apartment near Ashland and Cullerton and have worked multiple jobs together, including their latest gig as Uber drivers. Now the 2007 Curie grads are launching a clothing line.
After high school, the creatives went on to pursue their passions — Ponce graduated with a degree in scenic design at Columbia College and Estrada is a guitarist.
But two years ago, Ponce and Estrada decided to pool their talents. The pair started designing clothes with positive messages — the type of clothes they would like to wear. Their brand's name — FWRD Collection — is inspired by the idea of moving forward or progressing in life.
"We believe that by thinking forward and moving forward, we can achieve our goals in life," Ponce said. "We are here to empower others to fulfill their ambitions and reach beyond their potential."
Pilsen residents Noel Estrada (left) and Pablo Ponce (right) have teamed up to launch FWRD Collection, a new clothing line. [DNAinfo/Stephanie Lulay]
Estrada, who is second-generation Mexican American, said his father has been consistently supportive of the project. Dad only had one condition — that the designers use their influence to inspire others to do good.
"My dad's success story is my drive," Estrada said. "He came here in the '70s with nothing and now owns two apartment buildings in Pilsen."
The design duo counts Chicago's architecture, street art, music and culture as major influences.
"We wanted to create clothes that expressed emotions [and ideas] — anger, happiness, strength, listening," Estrada said.
While building the collection has been fun, it's also been a learning process. During the past two years, the pair has learned about copyright laws, the design process, and what it takes to source and produce garments.
"It take a while to find your design voice," Ponce said.
A women's tank from the new FWRD Collection. [Jacqueline Ayala]
Hopefully, Saturday's online launch is just the start, Ponce said. The pair also plan to sell FWRD Collection in Chicago boutiques and with enough success, plan to one day opening a stand-alone store.
"I'm proud of us," Ponce said. "It's been a learning process and a long year. We're ready for this."
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