Thought-provoking clothing
The popular Captain Rebel clothing line was established several years ago in Minneapolis. The urban clothing company was previously located in Uptown before relocating to the Mall of America’s (MOA) Community Commons in Bloomington.
Although business has been negatively impacted by civil unrest, they were pleased to be chosen as one of 17 businesses featured at MOA’s Community Commons. The MOA is providing Community Commons tenants with six months of free rent due to the impact of COVID-19 and the civil unrest last summer.
The clothing company was founded by Spencer Puckett and two business partners Arione Farrar Jr., known as “Wavy,” and another silent investor.
Farrar, Jr. grew up in South Minneapolis and served as a stellar point guard on the varsity basketball team during high school. Farrar Jr. went to Roosevelt and Park Center. Now, he’s slam-dunking the fashion game.
Style runs in the family. “My grandpa, he’s the flyest to me,” Farrar, Jr. said. “He’s a pastor and super stylish—that’s where it started at.” His beloved grandfather is Pastor Curtis Farrar of Greater Friendship Baptist Church.
The Captain Rebel brand is a posh fashion brand for men and women that exudes revolutionary vibes. They offer a wide variety of artistic t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and pants. The price range is $60-$1,000.
The short-sleeved t-shirts are the cheapest in price, with a price range of $60-$120. The fashionable t-shirts are embroidered and screen-printed with eye-catching designs.
Meanwhile, the signature “Big Zip” hoodies are the most expensive. Farrar, Jr. said, “The Big Zip is the hottest product. It goes for $1,000.00.” It can be best described as a purple, pastel hoodie with a giant, oversized zipper that can be zipped all the way up.
This local and nationally known fashion line incorporates thought-provoking quotes onto its clothing. A special message is placed upon the front of all 3M Hoodies: “I’ve been reckless, but I’m not a rebel without a cause.” The hoodies are priced at $120 and come in four colors, black, pink, red and blue.
Captain Rebel also created a distinct Black Panther trucker jacket priced at $150. On the back it says “Free Huey” with “REBEL x Black Panther” branding. The limited-edition jacket was created to honor Huey P. Newton, who was the co-founder of the historical Black Panther Party.
Although there are challenges, the local entrepreneurs enjoy the experience of operating their own business and living out their dreams. The owners work together in an effort to create one-of-a-kind fashion that has profound meaning.
“Designing, that’s probably the hardest,” Farrar, Jr. explained. “It’s all kind of hard but fun at the same time.” During his downtime, Farrar, Jr. focuses on creating new concepts and designs.
When customers sport Captain Rebel fashion, they can expect comfort and to stand out. “Almost like a new haircut, I love the feeling of feeling fly,” Farrar, Jr. said.
When asked what motivates them every day, Farrar, Jr. said, “Helping people motivates me. When you gain something good from something you created and you can go out and help somebody else.”
He continued, “The mission is to make this brand the biggest clothing line in the world.” But they need everyone’s support to achieve that goal. Farrar, Jr. encouraged the community to support Black-owned businesses. “Most definitely it’s always important to support your own,” he said.
Shop Captain Rebel online at www.captainrebel.com or in person at MOA’s Community Commons, located at 238 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN. Store hours: Monday through Wednesday, from 11 am to 7 pm, Thursday through Saturday, from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.