My name is Scott Greeban and I started Alki Apparel started in 2009. I envisaged Alki Apparel’s first collection of lounge shorts during an unusually hot summer in Seattle. I wanted something comfortable and lightweight to wear when I came home after a long day at work. My only real options were athletic shorts or cut off sweats (not quite good enough). Fast-forward a couple of years while my wife and I were getting ready for a trip to Southern California. I searched and searched for a pair of lightweight shorts for hanging out or sleeping. Pajama shorts? Not very stylish. Common fleece shorts? Too heavy! So, I cut a pair of hospital scrubs into shorts and Alki Apparel (Version 1.0) was created. They were comfortable, but they definitely needed some style. I knew I was onto something when my friends seemed a tad envious and asked where I bought them.
After hours and hours of research, I found the right mix of fabrics which would be the answer to my desires: lightweight, breathable, washable, durable and most importantly, comfortable! All that was left? Abandon all fear and dive head first into the fashion industry (good thing I was wearing comfortable shorts). Alki Apparel might have been born because of my need for shorts but my search for comfortable clothing lives on!
So why the Name Alki? (Pronounced: AL-k’eye)
For several years, I lived just blocks from Seattle’s picturesque Alki Beach. The name Alki reminds me of incredible summers, walks to the bakery, having drinks on the balcony with friends and the unforgettable views of Puget Sound! I wanted a name to reflect my love for Alki and Seattle, and I couldn’t think of a better way to describe the clothes that embody this relaxed lifestyle.
1. Do you have any aspirations to expand your line to other lines or industries (i.e. men’s wear/women’s wear, perfume, home decor)?
Yes, my eventual goal is to expand our line to lounge pants, shirts and a women’s line. My focus at this time is building a strong foundation with our lounge shorts.
2. What inspired you to start designing?
My inspiration for launching Alki Apparel was the lack of lounge/casual shorts for men. During the winter I usually put on sweats when I come home from work but during the spring, summer or even fall there wasn’t a pair of shorts where I thought, “I can’t wait to put those on when I get home.” I wanted a boardshort look when leaving the house, but a pajama feel when hanging around at home or even to bed…Alki Apparel was born! Whether you’re sleeping, hanging around the house or need to run errands, Alki Apparel is your short to have on and leave on.
3. If you weren’t a designer then what would you be?
A lost soul walking around in cut off hospital scrubs.
4. Being creative is an everyday challenge for a designer; tell us what keeps your creative motor running?
What keeps my creative motor running is the, “what could be”. I truly have a vision for Alki Apparel and fulfilling that vision keeps me going.
5. Tell our viewers how do you want them to feel when they wear your brand?
Most importantly, I want anyone wearing my brand to feel comfortable. I also want women to think their man looks stylish and attractive wearing Alki Apparel.
6. Do you have any advice for anyone entering your field?
Go for it! If you believe in your line and brand, share it to the public.
7. What excites you about the future of Seattle fashion?
I am new to the fashion industry. The one thing I’ve learned and excites me is the willingness to help others in the Seattle community. There have been countless people along the way (including the wonderful team at Fashion Network Seattle) who have listened, given advice and helped launch Alki Apparel. I hope to be able to pay it forward anyway I can!
8. How do you see the brand developing over the next couple of years? What can we expect?
Over the next couple years the plan is to expand our product offerings. The main goal and mission will continue to be: Create the ultimate loungewear built for comfort and style!
9. Quickly, what are the benefits for Seattleites of buying from local designers?
Local designers have a great pulse for the northwest lifestyle. Alki Apparel is currently being carried at SPUN on Capitol Hill. Be sure to check us out as well as other incredible local designers.
Use discount code FNS20 to receive 20% off your entire purchase at Alki Apparel! Support local support Seattle!
