There is no fashion without street culture. Some of the most iconic looks were born on a skateboard, or from a group of friends who didn’t give a fuck what the outside world thought of them. No one knows this better than designer Charles “Chi” Hom. Whether he was on or off the board, one thing remained constant: a lifelong love of art.
A San Diego native, Chi grew up in a mecca of action sports culture. Paired with an education in Art and Design made Chi a force to be reckoned with. He soon found himself on the fast track from unpaid intern to Senior Designer at the hugely influential brand, Osiris shoes.
While this was a big move for an aspiring Designer, it was also the beginning of his story as an Artist.
CHAPTER 1: Don't Trip Out
Chi would go on to work for iconic action sports brands like DC and Neff, creating designs which would become internationally successful—while simultaneously struggling to make ends meet, let alone receive any meaningful recognition for his major achievements.
He quickly realized that, the bigger the brand, the more likely you were to get taken advantage of as a designer.
He also realized that the people in charge of these brands are often only interested in one kind of culture: the culture of personal wealth.
CHAPTER 2: It'll Be OK
Overworked, underpaid, uninspired, and feeling disconnected from the vital elements of the skateboarding lifestyle that guided him to art in the first place, Chi made a decision that terrifies many young designers:
He left the guaranteed paycheck of a soul-killing international conglomerate and struck out on his own.
As it turns out, it was a very good decision.
CHAPTER 3: Fair Fight
Now free of middle management, committee-based creative restrictions, and the profit-over-creativity mindset of big brands, Chi has flourished, maintaining his own artistic perspective and enjoying the freedom to create and market his own innovative designs, all while bringing is own unique style and point of view to major international clients like Target and Zumiez.
CHAPTER 4: Original American Gangsta
Chi’s unwillingness to compromise his creative spirit and his bold decision to buck big money exploitation and do his own thing are the essence of the Z_DROPPED mission, and he saw the collective concept of the brand as a natural fit for an artist looking to maximize creativity and minimize the bullshit politics of the corporate ladder. In his own words:
“I like the story that Z_DROPPED is selling, because it’s my story.”
We couldn’t be more hyped to feature him as an artist and designer.
Welcome to Z_DROPPED Chi.
CHI'S COLLECTIONS:
Let customers speak for us
NASTO
My new golf fit
I have the perfect golf fit for this shirt! The colors pops and its super comfortable. It got here super fast and I'm thinking I need to order this in black now.The packaging was super dope too.
Do Nothing Long Sleeve.
MICHELLE M.
Comfortable!
Love this graphic! Bold, bright and comfortable. Its a real head turner and I get compliments on it all the time. Shipping was SUPER fast and great service. I will definitely be ordering again.
Do Nothing Tank Top.
NASTO
Amazing design
I absolutely love this design. The color on the shirt pops so well,and looks so clean. I’m already thinking,I’m going to have to order another in the white option. I also really dig the hidden lil picture of the logo designer on the inside.
Don't Trip Long Sleeve.
Jeff Dechesare
Hilarious and relatable!
Dope Graphic, great quality, comfortable and stoked to be supporting the skate community.
Zepé Tee.
WestWelding13
Quality Garment
This shirt fits very well. The fabric is soft and comfortable. The printing looks amazing! Very bright!!! I love the artwork! I would definitely highly recommend this shirt!
Free Your Mind Long Sleeve.
Luna
Love it!!
Great quality. Shipping was fast plus really creative packing. Free stickers and a cool mini drawstring bag which the items came in with. Definitely recommend!!
Z_ROSE High Waist.
zuri mart
My favourite bf tee
I bought this in XL thinking it would be the perfect bf tee. I was right !! I wear it at night and he wears it in the day. It’s fits both of us in the most perfect way. And it’s so soft. LOVE that it’s 100% cotton 🤍
Don't Trip Long Sleeve.
zuri mart
The shirt says it all
Obviously this shirt gets me compliments all day. As soon as people read the bottom half, they can’t stop themselves. Low-key, I’ve worn this 3 days in a row and I LOVE IT !!!
Tuna Bones Crop Top.
zuri mart
Literally my life
This shirt is always giving me attention as it’s an easy ice breaker considering these days, all we wanna do is nothing 😂 It’s super soft and fits perfectly as a crop top !!! Can’t wait to order more designs 🖤
Do Nothing Crop Top.
Jason K.
This one hits!
I've been getting compliments on it already. Loved the entire experience from ordering with Z_DROPPED. Can't wait to see what else drops!
Tuna Bones Long Sleeve.
Jason K.
Loving my new gear!
I got this along with a few other shirts and they are all great quality. The unboxing experience was awesome and I look forward to ordering more from Z_DROPPED!
Z_INC Long Sleeve.
Rolf Guntert
THE SIMPSONS
Love the graphic design done by Keith. I opted for the small skateboard on the front with the large graphic on the back of a white shirt variation and the graphic really pops. Love supporting these artists and Z_DROPPED!
Bart Roth Long Sleeve.
timothy humphreys
Social media in a nutshell
Love the vibe of all the shirts here. These guys get it. The packaging like a stack of folders is way cool
Don't Follow Me Long Sleeve.
timothy humphreys
Flip ‘em the bird!
Sometimes your spirit animal manifests itself as a rubber ducky who literally can’t even right now. I went with the big square print on the front and love it!
effu Tee.
Charles Hom
Clean design
Love the simple and clean art. Shirt fits great!
Z_ROSE Tee.
