{"id":301770,"date":"2026-10-07T18:32:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T18:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/301770\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T18:32:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T18:32:08","slug":"west-philly-based-paratodo-celebrates-10-years-in-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/301770\/","title":{"rendered":"West Philly-Based Paratodo Celebrates 10 Years in Style"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQ&A<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Paratodo owner and designer Francis Young talks Paris men\u2019s fashion week, his latest collection, and anniversary party plans.<\/p>\n

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Paratodo founder Francis Young in his West Philly studio \/ Photography by Linette Messina<\/p>\n

West Philly streetwear designer Francis Young never fell victim to the boring trend of millennial beige (which, according to the latest runway shows, is on its way out \u2014 finally). Instead, his 10-year-old avant-garde brand<\/a>, Paratodo, revels in shades of green, amethyst, and orange creamsicle. But color isn\u2019t the label\u2019s only bright spot: Paratodo has a do-good mission and has collaborated with nonprofits (from immigrant rights organization Juntos<\/a> to animal rescue org PAWS<\/a>), raising more than $25,000 over the past decade through profits from clothing sales.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Young\u2019s looks have caught the eye of shoppers around the globe; Paratodo recently made an appearance at the Paris spring\/summer 2027 men\u2019s fashion week. And his latest collection is as incandescent as ever. (He used florals and even spinach \u2014 yes, spinach! \u2014 as fabric dye.) \u201cEach piece is meant to be used in day-to-day life,\u201d Young says. \u201cIt\u2019s not meant to just be ornate and decorative.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Sweaters and beanies from Paratodo\u2019s autumn\/winter collection<\/p>\n

My process: For one or two months per season I hunker down and design. Then I take time away to alleviate mental strain and take in new [ideas], whether it\u2019s through vintage magazines or garments. Part of my brain tells me I\u2019m being lazy, but I do see value in taking breaks and approaching my designs with fresh focus.<\/p>\n

The inspiration: I\u2019ve been getting into human and animal anatomical structures. I\u2019m looking at how muscles orient themselves and using that as inspiration for the body paneling on each of my pieces. I\u2019ve also taken inspiration from optical illusions. I love simple patterns that can trick the brain.<\/p>\n

On fashion week: This was our second time at fashion week; our first appearance was in 2025. This time we partnered with two other brands \u2014 Brigade, based out of New York, and Dublin\u2019s Emporium \u2014 for a pop-up in the Marais district. It allowed us to reach our global customer base and chat with fans.<\/p>\n

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A mesh hoodie from the spring\/summer 2027 line<\/p>\n

The new collection: There\u2019s a lot of natural dyes and silhouettes that have a surf or skimboarding look in our spring\/summer 2027 collection. We did a mesh hoodie hand-dyed with black beans, which created this really sick periwinkle blue. It\u2019s an intensive process. I\u2019ve been hand-dyeing all summer.<\/p>\n

This month: We\u2019re looking to host an interactive party to celebrate 10 years. We\u2019re also looking to jump-start the philanthropic aspect of the brand by collaborating with some new nonprofits. [Ed. Note: The party takes place on October 10th. Find more details, including how to RSVP, here<\/a>.]<\/p>\n

On Paratodo\u2019s philanthropic mission: We partner with nonprofits as a way to give back to our community. This is a key component to making something for everyone; it\u2019s not just for the company or customer but also for others in need.<\/p>\n

Published as \u201cClothes Call\u201d in the October 2026 issue of Philadelphia magazine.<\/p>\n

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