Felix Berytus, the name might be hard to pronounce, but that is all part of the story behind this new Vancouver brand. The name - which is also the alter ego of one of Vancouver’s most promising creativewear designers - is meant to draw you in and leave you wanting more.
Owner and designer Abdallah El Chami started designing when we was 19 years old. It started out as a hobby, something to do when creative inspiration struck and the obvious canvas for his work was a t-shirt. Fast forward some years later (plus a university degree and a design contest under his belt) and Felix Berytus has been relaunched - gaining traction and momentum by word of mouth and social media.
The story behind the hard to pronounce - and equally hard to forget - name?
Says El Chami, “Yes the name of my brand may be hard to pronounce, but that’s what makes it unique. I was searching for a name that had a strong connection to me. In 15 B.C., after the Roman emperor Augustus Julius Caesar conquered Beirut, Lebanon (my roots) he renamed it Colonia Felix Berytus, representing happiness and a roman variation of Beirut.” El Chami fell in love with the name and adopted it as part of his creative alias - his other creative half.
Next step for this up and coming Vancouver designer? He aims to become the brand that represents creative wear in Vancouver, BC. A lofty goal - but if drive, passion, and designs that sell out quickly are any indication, El Chami and Felix Berytus have already made incredible headway towards that vision.
However, what makes this story even more unique is that he lacks the pomp and ego usually associated with young, scrappy designers. El Chami has no interest in fostering or participating in an industry fraught with aggressive competition - rather he lives and designs by the mantra don’t watch me succeed, be a part of it and together we can be something great. El Chami is part of the new wave of creatives who seek to create and inspire, who build communities of like minded people who are not precious with their ideas, but rather share to help others grow their talents through creative community.
*Special offer for VIA readers* use coupon code FELIXVIA to receive free shipping until November 30th. Just in time for Christmas shopping... hint hint!
Also one lucky VIA reader will WIN their very own original Felix Berytus Teddy Bear tee.
To enter:
(1 entry) Leave a comment on the VIA Facebook post
(1 entry) Like Felix Berytus on Facebook and post the following to twitter:
RT to enter to win the original Teddy Bear tee from @FelixBerytus and @VIAwesome: http://ow.ly/fbmqc
Winner will be drawn at random from all entries Tuesday November 13, 2012 at 5:00pm. Good luck!!
