WHEREAS, Ibn Anderson, Bariq Cobbs, Mark Allen, and Kenya Abdul-Hadi founded MISKEEN ORIGINALS on October 24, 1999; and
WHEREAS, The brand began by selling hand-painted tees directly to customers in Philadelphia and the tristate area, but within three years landed in one of Philly’s top retailers, immediately selling out its first order; and
WHEREAS, Each restock would quickly sell out simply from word of mouth, since good news travels quickly; and
WHEREAS, With the increase in popularity, more retailers began to pick up the brand and distribute their work; and
WHEREAS, To meet the increased demand for the brand’s products, MISKEEN ORIGINALS began hiring and training local artists in its unique style, many of whom have gone on to thrive in their respective creative fields, thus continuing the brand’s legacy and impact; and
WHEREAS, MISKEEN ORIGINALS’ “One of One” wearable art sparked a movement that started in Philadelphia and spread across the East Coast and beyond; and
WHEREAS, The brand has become a cultural staple seamlessly blending Hip Hop, street art, and fashion into one visual experience aptly called “Hip-Hop-ART"; and
WHEREAS, Being fully committed to its motto “Where Art Meets Fashion,” Miskeen Original products have been worn and endorsed by recording artists and global icons like Jay-Z, Lebron James, Kevin Hart, Nipsey Hussle, The Clipse, State Property, and many others; and
WHEREAS, The original founders have acquired the MISKEEN ORIGINALS trademark, planning a strategic relaunch which seeks to honor the brand’s legacy while embracing a newer generation raised in the current digital era; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors
the founders of MISKEEN ORIGINALS for their contributions to Philadelphia’s fashion scene.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to MISKEEN ORIGINALS as evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.
End