Zach Merrett, Essendon Football Club Captain, and Essendon Footballer Jayden Laverde have recently stepped into the world of fashion with the launch of their new streetwear label ‘DRYP’. What started as a casual conversation over coffee has now turned into a full-fledged passion project for these talented athletes.
It all began with a simple discussion about life after football. While some of their teammates were considering more traditional post-football careers, Zach and Jayden found themselves drawn to the world of fashion. They bonded over their shared love for unique pieces in their wardrobe and soon realised that they had a shared vision for creating their own streetwear label.
Zach says, “ We discussed the things in our wardrobe we really liked and how we could get into the business of fashion. At the time it was a bit of a joke, however the next day we sent a few photos to each other of things we really liked and a couple of days later we set out to make this dream a reality. For the first 3 months it was in an idea phase. The last 11 months has been fun, but so full on. It’s been an outlet for us outside of footy.”
The initial stages of the project were filled with excitement and creativity as the duo brainstormed ideas and shared inspiration. What started as a casual idea quickly transformed into a serious pursuit as they began to lay the groundwork for their new venture.
When I asked them why streetwear and why unisex, their response was simple yet inspiring. They said it had to reflect what they liked – it was all about creating pieces that they would want to wear themselves.
The idea of a unisex line made perfect sense to them, especially considering how much one of the boys’ partners enjoyed wearing his clothes. They wanted their brand to cater to all markets and saw unisex as a way to do just that. Streetwear, being incredibly popular at the moment, was the perfect avenue for them to express their style and creativity. They saw it as a way to elevate their looks and make them extra cool.
What struck me the most during our conversation was the boys’ passion for blending fashion and sport. They saw themselves as a part of a big club, with fans who supported them regardless of wins or losses.
The name Dryp, as it turns out, came from a place name in Dubai that Jayden’s partner Abbey Kosmatos had remembered, he recalls it coming from a pilates studio over there.
Jayden says, “You know if you’re dripping out it means you’re looking good. It’s a play on words. Zach and I both agreed it was a cool name for a streetwear label.
The age market is from 14 up, we will target a mid-market. We have more plans for later releases but initially it will be for teens and up, to around the age of 25. We want to expand on that down the track. You can wear it down the street, to dinner, and on the couch on a Sunday relaxing.”
In the world of fashion, creativity is key. And for Zach his partner, Alexandra Bourne, Jayden and Abbey, the driving force behind their innovative designs comes from their collaborative efforts. While Zach may not see himself as the most creative among the team, together with Alex, Abbey, and Jayden, they make an amazing team, with all ideas stemming from their discussions and brainstorming sessions.
With manufacturing facilities in both Australia and China, quality is of utmost importance. They understand the value of offering a product that not only looks good but also has longevity. With a hoodie priced at $180 and a tee at $90, they believe in providing their customers with the right price point for the quality materials used in their garments.
Despite the higher costs involved in producing their clothing line, the boys are committed to slow fashion. They believe in creating pieces that stand the test of time and are not just fleeting trends. Their first range focuses on staple pieces and limited-edition items, reflecting their dedication to creating timeless and versatile pieces for their customers.
For the past 11 months, Zach and Jayden have poured their hearts and souls into their new fashion label. From designing and sourcing materials to marketing and branding, they have been fully immersed in every aspect of the business. It has been a challenging journey, but one that has brought them immense joy and fulfillment outside of their football careers.
Interview by Melinda Sullivan.
