HIRO CLARK TURNS 5

“The brighter the light, the darker the shadow” reads the “About” page on Hiro Clark‘s website and while that might be considered a heavy statement coming from a T-shirt line based in sunny California, it drives home founder Andy Salzer’s concept behind his label.

Salzer, the former designer of New York-based menswear label Yoko Devereaux, made the East-Coast-to-West-Coast move and found that not everything in The Golden State was so, well, golden all the time. So when it came time to launch his next menswear venture, Hiro Clark, Salzer decided to bring L.A.’s moodier side to the city’s uncontested wardrobe staple, the T-shirt.

So, as Hiro Clark marks its fifth year with a new anniversary collection, we thought we’d catch up with Salzer on what he loves most about running his own company, some challenges he’s faced along the way, and what’s next.

Q: What do you love most about running your own fashion company?

A: Free sweatpants. I’m never not cozy.

Q: What would you say are some of the major changes that have happened since launching the brand?

A: When we launched, we had a mix. Some people would find us in stores. Some would discover the brand and become fans online. There was already a gradual shift towards our customers coming to us directly when they wanted fresh Hiro Clark. And then the pandemic hit. It made that direct connection more important than ever. It turns out tees and sweats are something people like buying from their couch. We dig that.

Q: What were some of the challenges you’ve faced?

A: It changes every day, especially now. Building something out of nothing is always a labor of love. We’re independent, so it always comes down to finding and connecting with enough people who get it. That’s what makes all the rest — new tees, talent, new ideas — possible.

Q: What are some of the highlights of this fifth anniversary collection?

A: We decided to go back to the beginning and pick out five faves from the vault. Dark, moody, and old school Hiro Clark.

Q: What’s next for you in the next five years?

A: Ask me again in 5 years, or maybe just five weeks. This is a wild time to have a young business, but we’re so lucky and appreciative to be here. None of this would be possible if we didn’t have such die-hard supporters. There’s a reason one of our most popular shirts says ‘Cult Leader’ on it.