North Carolina’s Circle A Brand Launches Kickstarter Campaign

The world of fashion tends to gravitate towards California and New York in North America. But in vintage workwear, Americana, and denim, few regions of the United States have deeper roots than North Carolina. Helped along by the almighty White Oak from Cone Mills, brands such as Raleigh and, more recently, Hudson’s Hill have set up shop. Now, the burgeoning ambitions of Russell Shurtz and his one man operation, Circle A Brand, look to join the party, with a little help from Kickstarter.

We previously featured Shurtz and his Circle A Brand on Heddels last December. Shurtz – besides having a perfect last name for tailoring – has been crafting his wares since he left the National Park Services three years ago. He’s made a number of odds and ends for local customers, international clients and even a run for the forum DenimBro. And these aren’t cookie-cutter garments based off designs at Joann Fabrics. Shurtz has revised and mastered each of his patterns to hone in on the best piece possible each and every time.

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Many denim fans have become disenchanted with Kickstarter due to many fly-by-night brands abusing of the service for a quick buck. Fortunately, this isn’t the case with Shurtz’s campaign. If his goals are met, Shurtz will expand his workspace and purchase more classic industrial sewing equipment to increase his output.

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If interested in backing Circle A Brand, the products being offered will hold appeal. Shurtz has gone great lengths to source quality for his collection. Italian herringbone and Japanese wabash materials are used for the hats while Kurabo Mills denim for a work shirt. Nerds shall rejoice at little details such as four different colors of stitching utilized on the Lot A1-28 jeans.

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Anyone who needs a hardworking pair of denim can turn to the Machinist Waist Overalls, a double indigo Cone Mills twill that has been lined with oiled canvas at stress points and felled seams. These are just a few of the highlights from a full blown, small batch, 18-piece collection that Shurtz is preparing all by himself.

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Those used to the wholesale price point product on Kickstarter will need to adjust their expectations. Small batch stuff doesn’t come cheap, and prices range from $25 for t-shirts to $339 for a waxed canvas parka. At the time of writing, Circle A Brand’s $19,000 goal was passing 75 percent, so chances are good Shurtz will meet his needs by the December 21st end date.

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Check out Circle A Brand’s Kickstarter campaign here.