URBAN REPUBLIC CLOTHING URC IS A PREMIUM DENIM LINE FOR MEN AND WOMEN, WHICH IS DESIGNED AND INSPIRED BY CONTEMPORARY AND URBAN AESTHETICS. OUR INSPIRATION IS ATTENTIVE TO THE DYNAMISM AND FAST-PACED CULTURE OF MODERN TRENDS IN DESIGN. IT IS ROOTED IN THE VISION OF YOUNG PEOPLE DRIVEN BY LIBERATED THINKING, COURAGEOUS SELF EXPRESSION, HIGH LEVELS OF EDUCATION AND PRACTICAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP. WE REPRESENT A BORDERLESS GLOBAL LIFESTYLE.

When did the company start?
Urban Republic Clothing started in July 2007 with principal offices located in Anaheim, California. Initially, the company was founded to become a major distributor of clothing and apparel products from independent manufacturers in and around the U.S. The main purpose was to provide professional sales representation, secure distribution to North American and European retailers.

In April 2008, URC started the migration from distribution into designing and manufacturing its own clothing and apparel products.

What does the acronym URC 2007 found on your trims represent?
This represents the year the company was founded. URC stands for Urban Republic Clothing, while 2007 is the year of formation.

Whose idea and how did it come up?
Urban Republic Clothing is the brainchild of Peter Rhima, the company’s founder. Prior to forming the company, Peter purchased clothes from the garment district and sold them to private individuals in the United Kingdom. Peter has had a passion to buy and sell clothes even while attending college and maintaining a full time job. His passion led him to become a distributor for independent manufacturers in Los Angeles. He developed the idea of promoting other brands which endowed him with more knowledge and insight of the clothing industry and subsequently negotiated with factories in Asia to manufacture an entire clothing line. As a result, Urban Republic Clothing was born.

Who Is Peter Rhima?
Peter Rhima was born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977. He came to the United States in 2002 after graduating from college in Nigeria with his bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Public Administration. Peter attended Hope International University, Fullerton located in Orange County, California where he received an MBA in business management. His diligent and responsible choices of becoming a practical entrepreneur have led to the formation of URC.

What’s the story behind the line?
The line is inspired by contemporary and urban aesthetics. The aim is to provide tasteful and fashionable denim products that appeal to a global audience from an urban contemporary concept.

How did we develop the company?
The company was first built by personal funds and support of friends and family. During this time, the country was in an economic recession which made it challenging for URC. In spite of that, we were able to weather the storm by perpetual focus, hard work, and relentless determination.

Why did we want a clothing company vs. any other type of company?
We believe that our dream of providing affordable quality clothing across borders can be shared among diverse demographics.

How are we going to make a difference in the world from our company?
We have a consciousness towards the needs of others around the world and are committed to humanitarian programs that will transform the lives of the less fortunate.

How do we inspire each other?
The way we inspired each other is through the expressed belief in one another and trusting that we have each other’s best interest at heart. Also, we believe that our dreams will continue to become a reality.

Setbacks and the days we cried?
When the global economic crisis hit, it came as a stumbling block for URC. One of our most relied on manufacturer came with news that they were temporarily suspending production to the U.S market because of high rate of receivables under collection. However, we kept on pushing and were focused on getting people to believe in our vision. For this reason, we are now embarking on the beginning phase of launching the Urban Republic Clothing denim line.

The line was debuted with an entire spring 2010 collection at the MAGIC Premium Global Tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada Fall of 2009.