For Us, By Us
A celebration of identity, unity and homegrown spirit
On the lively 1000 block of Market Street in San Francisco, steps away from large streetwear brands such as Supreme and Bait, a local alternative founded by Julian Prince Dash is quietly fighting against the fast-fashion industry while keeping the history of denim alive in the United States.
The denim manufacturing industry in San Francisco dates back to 1873. Nearing the end of the California Gold Rush, a U.S. patent was secured by Levi Strauss & Co., alongside tailor Jacob Davis for using metal rivets to reinforce men's denim in the workforce. According to The Contemporary Jewish Museum, this new innovation marked the beginning of the "blue jean".
Strauss, a Bavarian Jewish dry goods merchant, was a Jewish immigrant, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a passion for growing community engagement in San Francisco. His dedication and legacy live on in San Francisco today.
Julian Prince Dash, 39, an artist, entrepreneur, mentor and father, founded Holy Stitch! Factory Fellowship in 2006 but it transitioned into a non-profit in 2023. HSFF, located in the heart of San Francisco, is a creative space operating as a retail store, tailor shop, sewing school, and manufacturing facility. Dash was advised not to start the non-profit, but chose to move forward with it anyway.
"I sat there and filled out all the paperwork myself and got an acceptance letter in May of 2023," Dash said.
Strauss, a Bavarian Jewish dry goods merchant, was a Jewish immigrant, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a passion for growing community engagement in San Francisco. His dedication and legacy live on in San Francisco today.
Julian Prince Dash, 39, an artist, entrepreneur, mentor and father, founded Holy Stitch! Factory Fellowship in 2006 but it transitioned into a non-profit in 2023. HSFF, located in the heart of San Francisco, is a creative space operating as a retail store, tailor shop, sewing school, and manufacturing facility. Dash was advised not to start the non-profit, but chose to move forward with it anyway.
"I sat there and filled out all the paperwork myself and got an acceptance letter in May of 2023," Dash said.
The fellowship program mixes creative expression and social engagement, with an emphasis on education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences.
The organization works to empower youth and displaced workers, while promoting a sustainable and community-based perspective to clothing production. Dash works to make sure every part of the process is curated by locals. He prioritizes building relationships with the people around him, not only to support his own growth, but also to lift up those who support him.
"If someone's serving comes from the place they're serving it from and to, you're like oh, I understand it," Dash said.
The organization works to empower youth and displaced workers, while promoting a sustainable and community-based perspective to clothing production. Dash works to make sure every part of the process is curated by locals. He prioritizes building relationships with the people around him, not only to support his own growth, but also to lift up those who support him.
"If someone's serving comes from the place they're serving it from and to, you're like oh, I understand it," Dash said.
Julian visits Alemany Farm, where his friend, Christopher Renfro, a farmer, is growing cotton for Dash and his business. "Our products being made in America is definitely more of a feeling than an actuality. There's definitely a soul. There's a feeling," Dash said.
As a father to three kids, ages 12, 11 and 2, Julian continues to work towards growing the business to not only be able to support his family, but his community at Holy Stitch.
"I'd love to have a living wage for everybody and myself. It's not money-based, it's just more influence, mentoring youth and access to things," Dash said.
For Julian it's more than just jeans. It's about building up the community and creating a place where people can learn, create and practice individuality.
"With my track record, every spot that I've been in, after I leave it gets built up," Dash said.
"I'd love to have a living wage for everybody and myself. It's not money-based, it's just more influence, mentoring youth and access to things," Dash said.
For Julian it's more than just jeans. It's about building up the community and creating a place where people can learn, create and practice individuality.
"With my track record, every spot that I've been in, after I leave it gets built up," Dash said.
The future of Holy Stitch! Factory Fellowship is unknown, but Julian and his team are continuing to inspire others to unleash their creativity through fashion through a community-based education.
"I don't really hope for anything, I'm just going to work towards it," Dash said.
"I don't really hope for anything, I'm just going to work towards it," Dash said.
