Yee-haw! The lovable family at Rotofugi is a support sponsor for our “Fabric of America” tour. We’re thrilled to have them along for the ride as we traverse the landscape of the USA in search of…well…whatever it is we find out there.
In case you haven’t read about our tour: You can read about it here, read about sponsorships here, and support our project yourself right here.
This is an introductory post about Rotofugi. They are an official support sponsor of our journey, which wouldn’t be possible without them (and you).
If you don’t know about Rotofugi, then you are probably asking yourself, “What the heck is a Rotofugi?” What you should be asking yourself is, “Why didn’t I know about this amazing staple of life improvement – this provider of happiness, this glorious family of fantastic folks – before now?”
We’re not kidding. That’s how much we love Rotofugi. I guess we should tell you what it is, in case you might – just might – not know. Which is just insane.
The easiest way to explain Rotofugi is that it’s a designer toy store and art gallery.
The more complex way is to explain that they sell designer vinyl toys. Collectable toys designed by famous, not-so-famous, up-and-coming, but mostly mind-blowing artists. On top of that, they produce their own line with some fabulous folks, such as the below gem from 64 Colors.
They also sell lifestyle accessories such as T-shirts, bags, notebooks, magazines, books, etc. In fact, they’re the preeminent shop of their kind in the entire world.
They work with artists, design firms, and companies all over the globe to bring fine design and collectable goodness to the masses at their retail space in Chicago as well as their online store. They sell things you want, because you want awesome things.
Kirby and Whitney Kerr started Rotofugi back in 2004, down in the East Village neighborhood of Chicago. This is Kirby and Whitney (keep going for the dog).
At the same time their shop opened, we had just started our own thing and we were working to make a name for ourselves. Kirby came to one of our gallery openings, where we first met and found that even though we came from two different places, we had quite a few things in common. Eventually, we started working with Rotofugi as they bought our brands’ gear from us to carry in their shop.
Here’s one of our shirts in their shop.
Not only did they carry our gear and introduce our products to their fans and network, but they introduced us to many of the artists that we work with today. To take it even further, several years ago, we began producing collaborative products with Rotofugi and still do to this day.
We owe them a debt of gratitude for a lot of the past decade, and just might not be here today if they hadn’t been so open to working with us back then.
Over the years, we eventually all became good friends, and one of our favorite things to do in the world is to get Kirby and Whitney to stop working for a minute in order to sit down with us for dinner and drinks. Now that we travel full-time, it doesn’t happen too often. Alas, whenever we go back to Chicago, they’re always at the top of our hit list. They’re the type of people we can not talk to for months, but then jump right back into never-ending conversation as soon as the phone rings or glasses clink.
They also have two adorable dogs that rock. Meet Fugi and Jade.
And amazing staff, like Ed here, who’s been with them for years.
Anyway, Kirby and Whitney and the rest of the family at Rotofugi spent many years working their butts off to become the most respected folks in the game. They have always had the best stuff, are always looking for interesting things that other shop owners don’t think about, and are responsible for bringing some of the best artists in the world to the forefront of the general public.
I forgot about the gallery part. They also have an art gallery and have been throwing successful art shows ever since I’ve known them. Back in the day, it was too-packed shows at their old space, which spilled onto the streets and made crabby neighbors angry.
Nowadays, they’re at a much, much larger location in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, at a point of corners that gives them the coolest retail space you could have.
They showcase well-known artists and they bring new artists to the eyes of the public, something which many galleries are too afraid to do. They do what they like and what they want, and that pays off in spades.
So anyway, Rotofugi does a lot of good. And they work. Constantly. We’re always trying to get them to take vacations, but they’re always working their backsides off to get more goodness to the people through the products and artwork that they showcase.
And everyone loves Rotofugi. And if they don’t love Rotofugi, we probably don’t love them. Even though we love most everybody. That’s how great these guys are.
Now that we have all that gushing out of the way, I think it’s safe to proclaim that they are indeed a pinnacle of the Fabric of America in everything they do. We couldn’t be more happy to have them as friends and supporters for our project, and we look forward to sharing their goodness with people as we make our way across the country.
Visit Rotofugi at their website, Facebook, and Twitter.
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Are you a fan of Rotofugi? Are you a customer or have you ever been to their shop? Any other thoughts? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Glad to finally see the two great people for whom you have so much respect!
They’re fantastic! Thanks for the comment, Ma!