Meet Jordan Cheesman and Micah Tootoo of Open Legacy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Cheesman and Micah Tootoo.

Jordan and Micah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
We actually met in 2014 at work. Both fresh out of college and neither with a plan of starting an athletic line.

No fashion degrees or real experience in manufacturing. However, both of us grew up with an interest in fashion and engulfed in sports culture.

Throughout the next year or two, we would go on to have numerous conversations about how we struggled to find athletic wear that we felt matched our style. Whether it be the fit or the aesthetics, the market seemed to be lacking items that were minimalistic in design while using quality fabrics that would keep you comfortable throughout a full workout.

Because of this, we created Open Legacy out of a “need.” Maybe not so much a need, but definitely a desire to create the items that we wanted to wear. The whole inception, in general, was very organic. That was over two years ago. Since then we’ve been spending as much time as possible learning everything we can about what it takes to design and manufacture a clothing item, start to finish.

From the beginning, we knew that if we were going to learn about each step of the process, it was going to take us having a hands-on approach. The benefit of living in a place like Los Angeles is having one of the fashion capitals of the world in your backyard. Los Angeles’ fashion district became our second home as we began spending each day trying to find everything from pattern makers to fabrics.

The goal initially was to source everything domestically. We would select our fabrics here, create our patterns, and finalize our samples before going into manufacturing overseas where they could replicate all aspects of what we had done till that point.

However, about a year into the process we started to rethink our decision of foreign production. Not only did we start to become concerned with quality control but we also developed strong relationships with the individuals who had been working with us to make our vision come to life. We saw their hustle, work ethic, and their determination to pursue a dream as well.

Around this time the transition towards keeping everything domestic began to become a priority. Although it may only be a small gesture, for the time being, we decided that this was a way that we could do our part to give back to the city.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not by any means. We’ve struggled on a lot of fronts – fabric sourcing, pattern making, production in general – all of the aspects of creating a clothing line (or even a single item of clothing) becomes a bit more tedious when you’re committed to “Made In LA.”

Starting out, we were also very much learning along the way. With very little experience in manufacturing, we were literally starting from the ground up. Cold calling, knocking on random doors, e-mailing anyone who might have some sort of connection, all became everyday occurrences. That being said, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Through trial and error, these have all been learning experiences that have prepared us for our future.

Going into designing you have a certain vision of each piece you’re constructing and how you see it turning out. There’s definitely been plenty of times where a piece didn’t come out exactly how we initially envisioned it (which hasn’t always been a bad thing), many times due to the simple fact that at this point in time we simply don’t have access to the same resources that the industry giants do. The task then is to make sure that you’re not compromising any aspect of the item but instead finding alternative solutions and ways to achieve the same output.

While this has often presented roadblocks, it’s also given us a chance to challenge ourselves. How can we use our resources… how can we be better at problem-solving… all questions that were inevitably going to be asked at some point anyways. Now, nearly a year later than when we originally expected to launch, we have much more insight on how this industry works, and a true understanding of how to be efficient moving forward with upcoming collections.

Open Legacy – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Open Legacy is a men’s sport and lifestyle brand with a focus on simplicity and functionality. The goal from the beginning has been to create items minimalistic in design while providing a tailored fit. Working off of a muted color palette, we’ve eliminated any worry of clashing colors, patterns, or conflicting styles.

Because of this, the consumer is able to mix and match whichever pieces they have available to create a well-paired look. To coincide with the aesthetics of the line, each item is constructed using hand selected fabrics and has been custom designed to make sure it’s as functional as possible for a wide range of activities.

In comparison, many brands that you see on a daily basis are working off of a pre-designed template, meaning that numerous companies have the exact same item on the market, with the only differentiation being a logo. At Open Legacy, we want to make sure that we are continuously designing unique pieces that serve a purpose.

As mentioned before, we are also extremely proud of the fact that we are made in Los Angeles. Keeping domestic manufacturing alive is something that we are determined to do our part in. Working with local artisans has taught us so much about the culture of this city and has inspired us to do what we can to support those around us.

Whether it be giving them our business or trying to highlight the work that they do, we have a deep appreciation for all creatives, no matter the platform. In saying that, one of our goals for the future is to collaborate with other local artists. There is so much talent within this city that we see goes unnoticed. If we can do anything to change that and give others exposure along our journey, we’d absolutely love to.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most?
The diversity in Los Angeles is something that is truly unique. In that diversity, there is a never-ending source of inspiration.

For the most part, everyone here is hustling to succeed, and that determination is something that tends to be contagious. With so many people here pursuing their passions it definitely gives you a little extra fight whenever any doubt creeps in about yours. It can be easy to get overwhelmed in this city, and more specifically this industry, but there’s a unifying aspect in knowing that we’re all here chasing opportunity.

Whenever you see people hustling to work just to stay in this country and/or to provide for their families – that’s something that humbles you and is a stark reminder just how fortunate you are to be here. There is opportunity everywhere, and If you’re willing to put in the work, then the sky is the limit when it comes to how much success you can have.

Contact Info:

• Website: Openlegacy.co
• Email: info@openlegacy.co
• Twitter: @openlegacyla
• Instagram: @openlegacy

Image Credit:
@melissaziegler, @higgsy_photography

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