Voorhees resident and St. Joseph’s Prep senior Gavin Pennington took a major step into the fashion world on Feb. 21, when he debuted his urban streetwear brand, The Illest Club, at Philadelphia Fashion Week.
Balancing school, basketball and business, Pennington has been building his brand from the ground up. What started as a childhood side business cleaning sneakers turned into a passion for design. His work quickly gained traction on social media, earning recognition from celebrities such as DJ Aktive, rapper Lil Baby, Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood and influencer Whiteboyem.
“I get it from my parents,” Pennington recalled of his design work. “I used to be around it. Listening to their music, listening to hip-hop. So I used that to make it into my own type of thing, being the best, being excellent.
“It’s more than being a brand, it’s a lifestyle,” he added. “I want people to feel a type of way when they wear it. Make it a movement.”
Last month’s Philadelphia Fashion Week showcased several of Pennington’s designs, marking a significant milestone in his young career.
“I’m looking forward to The Illest Club coming to life on the runway,” noted Kevin Parker, founder and producer of the fashion event. “I just love when young people have the desire to become entrepreneurs.”
Pennington’s showcase was met with enthusiasm by Fashion Week attendees, who praised the creativity and authenticity of his collection. With sales already surpassing expectations, he plans to continue growing The Illest Club following high-school graduation in June.
“All of this started just from me wanting to start my own business and knowing what kids my age want to be seen in,” he explained. “But I had no idea the Illest Club would be as successful as it is in such a short time. And then to be showing at Philly Fashion Week? That’s crazy!
“And I know, with the support of my family, that is just the beginning.”
As the young designer looks ahead, his success at Philly Fashion Week has taken him far from the days of cleaning sneakers for pocket change. Pennington got good news recently: an Ohio store called Rule of Next has picked up his line, as has a store in Cleveland.
“All of this has been so incredibly mind-blowing,” said Pennington’s mother, Sonia James Pennington. “It has happened so quickly and unexpectedly. I truly am so grateful to see Gav step so boldly and confidently into his purpose …
“Truly, there is no limit.”
