The Little School brand provides sustainable style Fashionably yours, Holly Lauren Beedle, digs deep into Pacific Beach to find style reflecting a socially-conscious message. Looking in the mirror as a professional designer who’s worked for many companies, toying with the idea of offering eco-conscious products to provide ethical consumers with an alternative purchase to meet their needs, I see a man who’s artistic vision created a brand that beats the competition. Christopher Brennan Ewald’s brand, which he calls The Little School, is a one-man operation, delivering one-of-a-kind custom women’s, men’s and children’s sizes of recycled, hand-silkscreened T-shirts and art. Ewald works in maintenance at an apartment complex on Turquoise Street. My experience has been most big companies run into a catch-22 when designing eco-friendly apparel and accessories because of their mass-production processes. Ewald’s custom creations, however, are closely monitored to stand by his brand’s philosophy: using only what you need, simplifying your lifestyle, being socially conscious, art is enjoyment, creating is entertainment. These are the ideals that fall under the umbrella of Ewald’s sustainable, recycled art and fashion in “The Little School” brand. Ewald is a Californian who grew up in industrial Detroit, home of the blue-collar worker. The idea of being just a number out of the numerous men and women working in American factories inspired the barcode-and-number image as his logo. Although he enjoys the beauty and laid-back attitude of Southern California, he remains hard working, dedicated and feels good putting in a full day’s work. The coveted logo and other imagery he composes are inspired from reclaimed materials, progressive rock and surf and skate subcultures. His art consists of recaptured materials reused to give them new life. From stools, tables and interior spaces to surfboards and skate decks, Ewald can do any customization requested. Until now, it’s never looked so cool to support a local artist. I happily wear my original The Little School T-shirt. It’s has an edgy, yet casual style that looks great with jeans and sandals for day or black, heavily-strapped platform pumps for a rock show at Soma or the Belly Up. I love the offset graphic hand-printed logo and the fit is great. Get yours today by contacting [email protected].