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From: Danny Spyra Apr 08, 2010 |
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Photo: ISIS
ISIS co-founder, Ian FoulkeEstablished in 2007, ISIS connects the dots between technology and fashion with design-driven laptop and cell phone protection. Utilizing materials like hemp and memory foam, ISIS no doubt supplies some of the funkiest protection on the planet.
Based in Costa Mesa, CA, ISIS also has charity in its DNA, which is refreshing. I caught up with co-founder Ian Foulke, who was happy to provide some a's to my q's. Enjoy!
- Danny Spyra
Photo: ISIS
Cell phone cases, laptop sleeves, backpacks...ISIS
has it all
BNQT - APPARENTLY "ISIS" WAS A GODDESS IN ANCIENT EGYPT. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR NAME?
Ian - Yes, ISIS is the Egyptian goddess of protection and youth. Our brand is all about providing protection for one's expensive electronics while incorporating a little fashion attitude for the youth. Rumor has it she was hot too, but I can't confirm or deny at this time. She had wings...the Victoria's Secret Angels have wings...must be a connection there.
BNQT - ISIS IS COMING ON STRONG IN 2010 WITH ITS SPRING / SUMMER COLLECTION. CAN YOU BREAK DOWN THIS LINE OF PRODUCTS FOR US?
Ian - I would say ISIS is more like an apparel line than the traditional corporate feeling accessory lines, such as CaseLogic or Targus. We develop the next season at least 9 months to a year before it will actually launch. We shop vintage markets, call on our greasy designer buddies, study the forward thinking magazines, attend trending and textile conventions, and always follow our gut instinct. The point of it all is to have ISIS products land at the same time as the seasonally trended apparel. So, at the end of the day, a guy can pick up an ISIS piece and tie it in with his Nike Dunks and AMBSN tee. The 2010 ISIS line is its best execution to date and the 2011 gear we are cooking up is looking insane already.
Photo: ISIS
ISIS collab with team-rider / frother, Dane
Gudauskas
BNQT - ISIS COLLABORATES WITH ITS ATHLETES, OR ITS "OUTFIT," ON CERTAIN PRODUCTS. WHAT KIND OF COLLABORATIONS DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR 2010?
Ian - Torey Pudwill is clearly one of the most legit skaters on the scene right now, and he has a couple wins to back up that statement. Plus, his reputation is further legitimized by his presence on Plan B. He is killer to work with and we created the insane "TP" collection with him, which includes his skate pack & iPhone case. 
Photo: ISIS
Torrey Pudwill's signature pack, part of the TP
collection
ISIS is also working with skateboarder and lifestyle personality specialist, Jordan Hoffart. The Hoff collection includes an iPhone case and the Bobo pack in his signature purple color way. Look for big things from this kid, he has been tearing up the streets lately. He just signed with Audio and will be working on a sick video part.
On the surf side of things, we partnered up with the ever-smiling Dane Gudauskas. This Vans team rider and WQS warrior is also an eclectic artist. We worked with him on one of his original pieces, Lips to create a super funky iPhone and laptop sleeve launching for Back To School this year.
BNQT - BESIDES MAKING SOME RADICAL PRODUCTS, ISIS DONATES A PORTION OF SALES TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, DESERET INTERNATIONAL. WHAT DO THEY DO / HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THIS NPO?
Ian - ISIS is our vehicle to provide funky fresh protection for the latest portable electronics, we do awesome collabs with our favorite companies, meet cool people, and have a lot of fun. That said, we have always believed that businesses have an inherent responsibility to give back to the greater community. After doing some research, Deseret International seemed like a good fit. They provide free surgeries to children in third world countries who couldn't otherwise afford these treatments. Needless to say, they change lives. Dollar for dollar they provide amazing aid to those in need and, for ISIS, that was a feel good investment.
Photo: ISIS
The Riviera Bleu, a laptop sleeve which incorporates
memory foam
BNQT - A NUMBER OF ISIS PRODUCTS INCORPORATE MEMORY FOAM. IS ISIS LIKE THE SERTA OF LAPTOP SLEEVES?
Ian - People ask us that all the time! First response is always, I could use this as a pillow! The truth is, you can and I do all the time at airports. The memory foam is unlike ANYTHING you have seen or touched in the Apple Store or Best Buy. Memory foam itself is a super lightweight and shock absorbent material. Unlike floppy neoprene, used by all the other brands, memory foam can be wrapped in cool fabrics like ISIS all natural hemp and it is rigid enough to maintain its structural integrity. The features it provides the user are awesome: full use of the computer while in its case, screen straps, low lip to access ports, custom molded steel zippers, and good heat dissipation (your laptop won't overheat in this case!). Check out my favorite memory foam sleeve, the Riviera Bleu.
Street Beat Archive:
Jonathan Paskowitz with Lightning Bolt
Chris Brunstetter with Goldcoast Longboards
serta, lmao