About The Ragged Priest
The Ragged Priest is a distinctive fashion brand that originated on the British coast in Southend-On-Sea in 2007. It began as a modest eBay store, offering a variety of vintage finds and curated treasures from car boot sales and textile recycling warehouses. The brand gained popularity and eventually established a concession in London's iconic Oxford Circus Topshop, where it began customizing vintage pieces, particularly with studding. This customization caught the public's eye when Rihanna wore a pair of studded shorts from The Ragged Priest at Coachella in 2012, which significantly increased demand for the brand's products.
In response to growing demand from major online retailers like ASOS and Zalando, The Ragged Priest realized that their business model of selling vintage, one-of-a-kind items was not scalable. This led to a pivotal change in 2013 when the design team began developing their own collections, marking a new era for the brand. The Ragged Priest's collections are known for their directional fashion pieces that incorporate a unique twist on emerging trends. Despite the evolution from one-off customized pieces to full collections, the brand has remained true to its roots, preserving its original and authentic edge.
Denim is a significant aspect of The Ragged Priest's identity, with their Cult Classic line paying tribute to staple jean cuts from their archives. This includes high-rise Cougar Mom jeans, classic Dad jeans, low-rise baggy fits, combat jeans, and 90s-inspired street sweepers. These designs are crafted in 100% organic cotton and feature the brand's signature cross back pocket stitching and vegan back tab.
The Ragged Priest has garnered a following that includes high-profile creative talents and leading social media influencers. With a strong social media presence, the brand has established itself globally, boasting a successful online store, a showroom in East London, and plans for a new flagship shop in London. Represented by over 200 stockists across 30 countries, including the USA, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, The Ragged Priest has transformed from a labor of studded love into a distinguished force in the fashion industry.
Despite its considerable growth, The Ragged Priest remains a non-corporate entity, striving to be as personal and organic as possible. This approach allows for creative freedom throughout the curation process. The brand's first-ever partnership with PUMA is a testament to its commitment to self-expression and individuality, blending the design signatures of both brands.
Inspired by its grunge roots and beginnings in customized denim, The Ragged Priest continues to deliver statement collections for both women and men. These collections feature cult classic denim, grunge knits, and reinterpretations of emerging trends, all imbued with the Ragged Priest's distinctive style.