Crooks And Castles

Not familiar with Crooks & Castles? Well then, let us enlighten you. Established in 2002 the LA based founders, Dennis Calvero and Robert Panlilio, wanted to create a clothing brand which reflected their own experiences growing up on the mean streets of LA during the 80's and 90's. Of course, today you may regard LA as a glamorous city filled to the brim with Hollywood starlets, but it’s not all film premieres and beach gyms. Back in the 1980’s street gangs, crime and drugs dominated the scene, and still do to a certain extent, but that is a story for another day.

So, Calvero and Panlilio drew inspiration from their tough backgrounds and stated that "We [Crooks & Castles] have always routed for the villain whether it be in a movie, a comic book, a novel, a rap song or every- day life. Growing up in Los Angeles during the 80's and 90's we became a part of this villainous lifestyle." The pair may have been part of that lifestyle, but they were able to escape the mayhem and create something positive from the rubble. Clearly, they’re both proud of their roots, which is why the ‘villain’ is so important to the Crooks & Castles ethos.

Today Crooks & Castles is one of the leading lights in street-wear apparel, competing with the likes of Stussy and Supreme. They certainly hold their own in a competitive market, hmm… guaranteed bet that has something to do with their early experiences. Sometimes, kids, crime does pay!

Red Square Clothing has an excellent collection of Crooks & Castles for the SS12 season. The outstandingly popular 'Cocaine & Caviar' design is back in stock and is featured on t-shirts, sweaters and snapbacks!