The History of Modrobes
Modrobes began as a project for a business course at Brock University in Ontario, Canada. Steven Sal Debus wanted to create "exam pants" for himself and his fellow students: a pair of durable but comfortable pants that were easily adjustable due to a unique internal buckle belt waist band. Steven wanted to give students a durable pant that was better suited to the post secondary lifestyle.
After graduating in 1996, Steven took the idea to a local manufacturer and made 200 pairs and then went back to the schools to sell them. He traveled to schools all over Canada for two years selling modrobes pants and handing out stickers that said "I want you in my pants". Modrobes then started showing up at concerts like Edgefest, Lollapalooza and eventually Woodstock 99. The pants soon became widely popular and retailers all over the country were selling out!
The videos below were from a CBC Venture episode that featured Modrobes:
In the late 90's Modrobes invented the wide leg version of their popular lounge pant and then the "Rave Generation" discovered Modrobes and soon kids were "dancing til dawn" in their favourite baggy pants.
In 1999 Modrobes built a flagship store on Queen St. W in Toronto. The store featured angled floors, walls and ceilings and a dj lounge.
Though the pants were the most popular item, Modrobes grew into a full line of clothing including hoodys, dresses and technical urban outerwear and in the city the brand was known for its comfort, durability and quality. Modrobes also stayed true to its roots and kept all manufacturing in Canada.
After experiencing pressure to move production overseas and financial problems after opening stores in malls the company shut down in 2005. Steven Sal Debus moved out west to Vancouver, Canada to study environmentally sustainable manufacturing and garment making.
Armed with a new vision Steven Sal Debus restarted Modrobes in January 2009 and auditioned for the CBC show Dragon's Den(to be aired this September). Currently Steven is working on performance jackets and fleece hoodies made from recycled pop bottles.
Modrobes are now available online and in a few specialty stores.
The rest of the story has yet to be written.
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