Kemdi Anosike is laying the foundation for a new type of Luxury Menswear with his company BRIC. BRIC is not your average menswear, they provide premium essentials for men who don’t fit traditional sizes.
It is fitting that Kemdi’s menswear line steps outside of tradition since his story is also outside of the norm. He is a Nigerian immigrant that came to America alone when he was only 17 and has grown into a highly successful real estate broker.
As a lifelong aficionado of interior design and architecture and with a deep-set passion for all things New York City, real estate was a natural career path for Kemdi. Fashion seems such a contrast from real estate, however, as a 6 foot 7 man he had a hard time finding fashionable pieces to fit his body type, which led him to a passion to create this luxury line.
BRIC launched in November 2022 starting with sweaters, which can be the most difficult item of clothing for men that do not fit into traditional sizing. We had a chance to chat with Kemdi Anosike about the inspiration behind his brand, what makes his business unique, and more.
Q: What was the inspiration behind your brand?
A: Launching BRIC is a very personal journey. As a 6’7 man who has struggled with fit my entire life, it had to be done. I hate the act of shopping because regardless of my height, I did not feel seen. Brands that label themselves as “big and tall” were not marketed towards me. They felt outdated and an afterthought.
They were literally BIG AND TALL. But the reality is that there are different shapes of big men and different shapes of tall men but the clothes that were made felt tailored towards one body style “big and tall’.. and as a Tall man who is not big, what happens to me? or what about the big guy who is not tall? That was how the journey started.
Q: What makes your business unique?
A: The apparel industry is very saturated with a lot of brands doing the exact same thing. BRIC is different. We are targeting a sub niche of a sub niche. We are starting with one of the most complex products for a man with extended sizing to find the right fit in: sweaters.
Q: What would you consider your biggest accomplishment?
A: Launching this business without any outside funding. Pushing myself to step outside of my comfort zone into a new career.
Q: What will attract readers to your story?
A: My story is the story of the American dream. Moving to the United states at age 17 alone and building a life here against all odds. I hope my story encourages people to not stop believing.
Q: What do you have planned for the next six months?
A: The next 6 months are going to be exciting. I am looking forward to hearing from our consumers and getting their feedback on our products. Also looking forward to launching our spring collection and overall growing the business.
