... A CATCH UP WITH FOUNDERS RHEECE & THIJS
|
Unapologetic, evocative yet without compromise on quality and comfort
ThePack celebrates its 4th birthday and we sit down with Rheece and Thijs, partners and founders, to talk about Style, Inspiration and Rebellion
|
Congratulations on 4 years in business! It’s been a journey these past years, launching a brand during a pandemic! Tell us; how did you get started?
Rheece: The idea started in 2018, a few years before our launch. We were on a trip to Spain and saw so many gay underwear stores. Most of the stores we visited seemed to be playing in the same corner, if you will… We wanted to bring a different angle, a richer perspective, a more inclusive answer to who we saw around us.
It sure does seem like a dream job, to be surrounded by so much beauty/hotness?
Rheece: Haha, it does, doesn’t it!? For real, it’s amazing to work with some of the best photographers, models and creatives in the field and we would never have dared to dream the things we’ve created… However, it’s the day-to-day connections with our creative partners, suppliers and our community which makes us ‘us’: We love to hear and support the different voices of our community.
You’ve produced some killer looks and campaigns in the past years, what inspires you?
Thijs: That’s so kind! We strive to be inclusive, relentless and always with a touch of eroticism or sensuality. Our collections usually reflect the ideas that spark our interest… it could be AI and where this will take our sexual desires, or anything else that’s unconventional and evocative.
Your Bussy and Bossy ranges earlier this fall were quite the capsules! We loved the bodyconscious prints, tongue in cheek “eat it” thong, and the FlashTech items: What was the inspiration for those collections?
Thijs: Bussy and Bossy were a clear chapter one and two… Chapter one, The Bussy Collection, came about after studying the innate erogenous references we see in orchids. It informed the shape of some of our briefs, and the organic printed bodices, and of course the already iconic “EAT ME” thong. The Bossy collection was a reply in a more androphilic way. By using bigger hole mesh, cire-finished coatings and thick metal hardware, it solidified our bodices and garters in masculinity. We love that play between genders – the world is ready for it.
What does your typical day look like?
Thijs: As a relatively young brand, we’re a small team and I still enjoy taking care of social media. I wake up, have coffee in bed and talk directly to everyone who messages us on our accounts @thepackunderwear_ and @thepackunderwear_official. I love the direct interaction with our community and with customers.
Rheece: Our days are super diverse: from inspiration/creative vision boards, to strategic planning sessions, to working together with our partners on events, every day looks kind of different. NGL - we do also have days with accountants, business renewals and trademark lawyers; it’s not all about oiling up the models at photoshoots!
Let’s blow off that steam and get into that: Which part of the male body is most important to you and why?
Thijs: Was it Bimini who said… “The nipples are the window to the soul”..? Or something like that? Haha… But in all honesty, it’s how you conduct yourself. Once you accept and know who you are and exude that confidence... that’s incredibly sexy! Our Brand slogan “Live Louder!” is about exactly this: self assurance, confidence, and pride.
ThePack has a distinct, rebellious edge: Other good examples are your AirLace and mesh bodices… What has been the response?
Rheece: We’ve gotten a fierce following for those pieces! The Bossy Bodice almost sold out within weeks…. In general, our F*CK Gender collections “Let Them Eat Cake” and hey, who’s gonna stop you? The responses have been amazing, be sure to check out our Birthday Sale and Black Friday Sale as we’re having some amazing deals up to 70% OFF, only this November!
What’s the dream? Where do we see you in 5 years?
Rheece: We’re always envisioning more amazing photography sessions in the most insane locations like the black sand beach in Iceland, the salt plains in Bolivia, or the Shibuya crossing in Tokyo… But most importantly, in 5 years time we will be a household name, hopefully having attended many more events, been worn by the PitCrew on RPDR (a dream!) and continued to use our platform to spark joy, bring our community together and support important initiatives.
Let’s get personal:
Now we know a bit more about ThePack's Journey, let's get a bit more up close and personal:
What are you most excited about for next year?
R: Charting uncharted territory
T: Travel
Circuit-goer or Homeboy?
R: 50:50
T: Homeboy
Summer or Winter?
R: Summer, for sure! Winter's cute and all, but I prefer my seasons without a side of frostbite!
T: Summer
Hairy or Smooth?
R: Diversity adds flavor to existence – both!
T: Smooth
Boxers, Briefs, Thongs or Jocks?
R: Briefs, Boxers or Thongs
T: Briefs or Jocks
What’s your poison?
R: Stirred, not shaken – a classic Dirty Martini
T: Smokey Old Fashion
Fave Cuisine?
R: Mediterranean
T: Indian hands down
Fave porn star?
R: Martin Rogers
T: Eli Shaw
Grooming or beauty tip?
R: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize & Hydrate!
T: Water - and boundaries, haha
Mantra / Motto?
R: You’re stronger than you think
T: Live Louder!
