Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Scacchetti.
Hi Nick, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I always loved the power of music not just as a form of personal expression but as a middle point to give messages and make people feel connected. I always thought, what if you could do that with fashion? So that got me started in the fashion industry at the age of 16, when I launched a streetwear brand, “Waif,” dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. This was more than just clothing to me; it was about creating conversations around a subject that affects so many. I felt like I was expressing myself through it, and anybody who related to that was buying my clothes, and we were connecting in that way. Through bold designs and meaningful pieces, I aimed to break down the stigmas and create a community of support and understanding. As that evolved, so did my vision. 8 years later, now at 24, my brand carries my name; it gave me a feel of personal growth and the pressures of holding my family name. My current collections focus on creating all-woven hoodies inspired by my favorite movies, music, and culture.
Transitioning from a focus on streetwear to making collections with unique materials as a form of art has been an amazing shift for me. This shift continues to add conversations into my work, with people noticing them when you go out in public; they definitely stick out in a positive way.
It’s been a journey of constant learning, resilience, and passion. From sparking conversations around mental health to showing off my favorite forms of art through clothes, my work remains rooted in creating meaningful connections through fashion. You like sopranos too? Someone will compliment it. You like listening to Mac? They might ask where you got it. Connecting two strangers simply through a hoodie is so cool to me. As I move forward, I’m excited to explore more, push boundaries, and become the best-woven clothing brand in the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome? +
I wouldn’t really describe it as smooth. I started this brand at 16 with $50 to my name, going on AliExpress begging a bunch of fake supreme sellers to make 10 t-shirts for me. Once I got that, the journey of making designs where people are going to try to call you “corny” for attempting to address the leading cause of death for people in my age range was a barrier to get past. Trying to get people to resonate with me on a personal & meaningful level. As my brand transitioned to focusing on woven hoodies inspired by movies, music, and culture, I encountered new challenges. The shift in direction required me to not only rebrand myself but also master new skills and techniques related to design and production. Ensuring quality and innovation in such a niche area demanded continuous learning and adapting.
Moreover, the aspects of running a brand, from sourcing materials, manufacturers, quality checks, sampling, photographers, managing online support to managing production timelines and navigating other complexities, have been learning curves. Financial constraints and the need for effective marketing have also been significant challenges, but honestly, I’ve grown to love the barriers and hoops to jump over. I take them as a sign of perseverance.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work revolves around designing clothing that not only stands out visually but also carries messages and narratives. These hoodies can show something someone loves and stick out to a stranger who loves that same thing. I specialize in creating all woven hoodies, each piece inspired by movies, music, and culture that resonate with me and, I hope, with my supporters as well. My brand is known for its each piece being a conversation piece. What sets my work apart is that it’s not just wearables; they are personal expressions and cultural commentaries and bring people together. I’m most proud of how my brand has maintained its focus on bringing people together in a way & keeping the same values of being the most affordable with the highest quality.
This commitment to merging different materials with clothes & resonating with people is what differentiates my brand in the competitive environment of fashion. My goal has always been to create more than just clothes—to create connections & spark conversations. To become the best brand in the world. That’s what sets me apart from others.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think this is different for everyone; it could be someone you personally know if you’re in the right setting or just watching someone online. When I first started, I watched the ZacFTP No Jumper interview, Virgil Abloh Motivation videos & things like that on repeat. Now I’m very in tune with watching things about discipline, work, knowing your “why”, and stuff of that nature, or watching some behind-the-scenes things such as Represents YouTube.
Pricing:
- All hoodies are $89.99 + free shipping when available.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nickscacchetti.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ByNickScacchetti
