Press & Media

Press Release - June 23, 2010 PDF DOC Photos
Los Angeles- June 23, 2010- Atlanta born and Los Angeles cultivated clothing company, Rukru (pronounced roo-crew), has just debut its premier limited line of sometimes offensive, always authentic, men’s apparel on June 22, 2010 online at http://www.rukru.com. The addition of a women’s collection is slated for the early fall. The brand, which evolved from humble roots as an infantry of Rukru emblems donning virtually every payphone and stop sign on the east coast, from Miami, to Atlanta, to N.Y.C, has come to fruition as a clothing line that integrates mindless debauchery, with intelligent design and unfaltering production standards. Each piece is a limited run, and finished in the U.S. to ensure authenticity and quality control. “As a designer, it’s tough to watch really strong, conceptual clothing lines stray away from their original message, either in design or quality as they begin to appeal to a larger audience,” says Rukru Founder and Creative Director, Eric Waetzig.

The Inspiration
The inspiration for Rukru was partially derived from the designer’s time living in Atlanta and Los Angeles. From the “dirty”, deep-fried flavor infused in the music and art scenes of the south, to the distinctive west coast style that is palpable in everything from graffiti to candy-painted hot rods rolling along the California coastline, this bicoastal dichotomy is expertly blended in every Rukru garment.

Respect the Trade
The creed “Respect the Trade” is more than just a tagline below the Rukru logo. It is the ethos and driving force behind the company. It speaks of the founder’s core mission of putting quality and design above revenue-driven monotony and to celebrate the designers, musicians and artists who have fueled and inspired the Rukru culture. “The goal is to contribute to the culture that has given so much to me and continue challenging people to look past the norm,” Waetzig says. With the launch of this premier line, he is one step closer to achieving that objective.

About the Founder
After graduating from The Art Institute of Atlanta, in 2004, Eric Waetzig began his career as a graphic designer specializing brand and identity development, custom typography, interactive design, advertising and illustration. His professional successes in creating cohesive and recognizable brands for clients, brought to life the confidence he needed to build his own brand. In short, so began the conception of Rukru, apparel that adheres to strict ethical and creative codes, while providing rising musicians and artists with valuable exposure through artist profiles on Rukru.com. Rukru “Respect the Trade”.

530medialab - July 14, 2010

Our friends over at Rukru were nice enough to send over one of their pieces from the new line. This particular piece is one of our favorites, Support Local Trade. Supporting local trade is something we try to do on a daily basis, and why not advertise it on a shirt. As much as I would love to rock the “F@#K Corporate Media” shirt, I can’t. The entire Rukru line is pretty strong, you’re not going to find any bit-mapped search engine images here. These guys are actually using pen and ink hand skills here, and it shows in the graphics. Go have a look at their line, and grab a shirt. By doing so, you will be supporting local trade! Thanks again to Eric and the Rukru crew.

Peepflow - July 13, 2010

Atlanta born and Los Angeles cultivated clothing company Rukru (pronounced roo-crew), has just released its premier limited line of sometimes offensive, always authentic, men’s apparel. Living by their motto that we all should embrace “Respect the Trade”, which is the driving force behind some killer graphics. Keep your eyes open because these guys have come out swinging and it’s impressive. All product can be purchased here and definitely peep the “Brains” Tee, graphic is on point.

Refined Vanguards - July 7, 2010

“Respect the Trade” is more than a tagline but the driving force behind the Los Angeles cultivated clothing company Rukru. Their Spring/summer collection consist of a wide range of sick tees that features original hand drawn and vector graphics. My personal favorite tees is between the “Corp. Media” and the “RUTOOLS” shirts because of how powerful the message/art is on these items. As you can see from the excellent craftsmanship and care that was put into art that Rukru is serious about stick to their motto. Check out more items at rukru.com.

Arize Magazine - June 24, 2010

With a cause we can all get behind printed across a tee - "Fuck Corp. Media" - Rukru ("Roo-crew") made its online debut this summer. Rukru's mission is to "Respect the trade and have fun" and with its debut of high quality and limited edition tees it's clearly evident in their style already. With a grungy-street style thats sure to get the ladies lookin' and the homies hatin' don't be the last to get caught without one. This brand shows so much promise, you'd be a fool NOT to pay attention to Rukru this year. Give the homies a shout and stop by their online store and grab a few tees this summer.

Thrillist Atlanta - June 23, 2010

Based in LA but started in ATL three years ago, Rukru ("Roo-crew") is a gear operation inspired by the "bicoastal dichotomy" between the two cities, just releasing its first lineup of 10 cotton tees like "Brains" (w/ a yellow/red cerebrum inside a pizza-slice-shaped outline), the orange/lime/white "Rutools", with a cartoon of brass knuckles, sliced ham & a spray paint can piled together, and the white or olive, patched-pirate-eye-pyramid "Local Trade" -- which, if it involves you getting a Terry Pendleton Donruss, you gotta do, man.

Current TV - Februrary 19, 2010

Atlanta born and Los Angeles cultivated clothing company, Rukru (pronounced roo-crew), has just debut its premier limited line of sometimes offensive, always authentic, men’s apparel on June 22, 2010 online at http://www.rukru.com. The addition of a women’s collection is slated for the early fall. The brand, which evolved from humble roots as an infantry of Rukru emblems donning virtually every payphone and stop sign on the east coast, from Miami, to Atlanta, to N.Y.C, has come to fruition as a clothing line that integrates mindless debauchery, with intelligent design and unfaltering production standards.

Each piece is a limited run, and finished in the U.S. to ensure authenticity and quality control. “As a designer, it’s tough to watch really strong, conceptual clothing lines stray away from their original message, either in design or quality as they begin to appeal to a larger audience,” says Rukru Founder and Creative Director, Eric Waetzig.