Charleston’s Own Brackish: A Journey from Apartment Crafting to Celebrity Fashion
Charleston, a city steeped in tradition and charm, is home to a vibrant and uniquely local brand that’s taken the fashion scene by storm. Since its inception in 2007, Brackish has transformed from a small idea born in a cozy apartment on Rutledge Avenue into a celebrated name in fashion, loved not just in Charleston but far beyond its boundaries.
How It All Started
The spark for Brackish ignited when co-founder Ben Ross crafted an eye-catching turkey feather bow tie as a gift for his groomsmen. Little did he know, this creative gesture would lead to something much bigger. His friend and fellow groomsman, Jeff Plotner, joined in on this adventurous spirit, and together they launched a brand that beautifully combines fashion, nature, and a strong sense of hometown pride.
A Thriving Business
Today, Brackish is **booming**—not only are their creations spotted around Charleston, but they’ve also attracted the attention of celebrities from the Red Carpet to the sets of national TV shows. It’s a testament to their commitment to quality and craftsmanship, with every piece reflecting the beauty found in nature. As the brand continues to flourish, the co-founders are excited about what lies ahead.
What’s Next for Brackish?
In 2019, Brackish made waves with the launch of their women’s collection. And there’s plenty more exciting news on the horizon! Jeff shared: “We’ve always been focused on superior craftsmanship and artistic reimagination. But we’re growing!” Looking ahead to 2025, they’re planning to step into several new categories, including women’s belts set to debut later this year. Jeff teased, “I can confidently say our customers are going to love what we’ve got in the works.”
Ben added, with a chuckle, “I’m glad I’m going second on this one or I’d spill the beans! We’re excited about new silhouettes for women’s belts coming this fall.”
Stars in Their Gear
When asked about the thrill of seeing celebrities sport their designs, Jeff expressed his feelings of being “humbled and flattered.” “Whenever I see someone wearing a piece we created right here in Charleston, I get goosebumps,” he revealed. There’s a special kind of pride, knowing that their local creations are embraced by well-known figures. If he had to pick a dream celebrity to wear Brackish, he’d love to see Matthew McConaughey donning their Texas burnt orange and white bow tie inspired by The University of Texas, Austin.
Big Game Days and Local Favorites
The duo is also excited about their new collegiate collection, just in time for football season. Their offerings now boast Clemson and Gamecock-inspired pieces for fans looking to show off their school spirit on game day. Ben remarked, “At Brackish, we pour our heart and soul into every detail.” Their commitment to local talent shines through, with all feather pieces handcrafted in Charleston.
Charleston Influences
Outside of their fashion endeavors, both Jeff and Ben cherish the rich culture and culinary scene of Charleston. With young families, they don’t get out as often, but when they do, the couple often finds themselves trying for a last-minute dinner at Lowland or waiting in line at Chubby Fish. As for Ben, his culinary tastes lean towards spots like Hanks, Fig, Halls, or Glass Onion, where he enjoys delicious meals while supporting local chefs who proudly wear Brackish ties.
In Conclusion
Brackish has not only etched its name into the fabric of Charleston’s vibrant style scene but also continues to turn heads across the nation. With a strong commitment to craftsmanship and nature-inspired creations, and exciting plans on the horizon, it’s clear that Brackish is just getting started on its remarkable journey. So keep an eye out for their latest creations—Brackish is a brand that’s here to stay!
