Chii clothing has the ability to speak volumes without a voice. Founders Rich Santos and Chris Martinez are able to share their inner thoughts, beliefs, and values through a single piece of clothing. Chii clothing has become a staple because many can relate to where they are coming from and understand the message in the pieces they present to the world.

Extremely positive and optimistic, Chii clothing designers find the positive aspect in everything, including the hardships they face. They are the perfect examples of where an optimistic attitude and strong work ethic can lead. Rich and Chris are watching their hard work manifest and gearing up to take on various different avenues.


How was Chii Clothing founded?

Chris Martinez and I, Rich Santos, founded Chii Clothing on Jan 1, 2005. Coming from a family background of screen-printing, I learned at a young age that what you wear represents who you are.

What is the meaning of Chii?

We founded Chii Clothing as a way to represent our lifestyle and ourselves. Chii is a way for us to evoke our creativeness and ideas onto others. It includes all of our good times and struggles.

How long did it take to get Chii up and running?

Chii is now 3 years old and we feel we are experts in decorating and manufacturing. We’re ready to take the brand to a national recognized level.

What are some of the adversities you have faced?

We face many everyday being a self funded and managed company. Having no backing, or corporate big brother making the right decision, and capital becomes very tough.

What theme or message do you send with your designs?

That lack of corporate also works in our favor because we are free with our designs. There is no one hanging over us saying this is what’s politically correct. We design whatever we are feeling that day or experiences that we have. We are very big on religion as art, as well as messages that may mean something completely different to each person.

What method is used to design the screens for your product?

We decorate most of our products at our own facility called Culture Studio. We pride ourselves on unconventional methods of decoration. We use a lot of discharge inks and high-end textures combined with soft fabrics and perfect cuts.



What famous people have been spotted in Chii Clothing?

We have been lucky to work with a lot of celebs such as Jes from Rock of Love, Ozzie Guillen, Mariah Carey, Chingy, Justin Timberlake and many more. You can see some pics on our celebrity’s section of our photo gallery

Who are some of your favorite designers?

My favorite designers are Dolce and Gabbana, Christian Audigier, True Religion, Obey, and G Star.

Where can Chii Clothing be purchased?

We sale to 27 stores sold to across the nation, including our own flagship store called Thr3ee Boutique. You can see some of the stores on our “stores section” of our web site.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

The highlight of my career thus far is showing the brand at MAGIC show Las Vegas, which is where all retailers across the world go to purchase the brands for there stores.

What advice would you give to someone who was breaking into the fashion industry?

To get hands on, real life experience such as internships.


Thr3ee Boutique
1632 W. Division
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 773-227-8200

www.chiiclothing.com