The Story Behind the "New/Broke" Collection: A Tribute to Generational Resilience
At the heart of every design is a story—an echo of a time, a culture or a shared experience. The New/Broke Collection is no different. This design is more than just a nostalgic nod to a familiar scene from the homes of xennials (those born between 1977 and 1985); it’s a powerful statement about the challenges and triumphs of an overlooked generation.
The Iconic Stack
The New/Broke design features a newer television perched atop an older, floor model television—a setup that was as functional as it was symbolic in many homes during the '80s and '90s. Back then, when a TV stopped working but still had some aesthetic value, it didn’t get discarded right away. Instead, it became the perfect stand for the next one.
For xennials, this wasn’t just a clever way to repurpose a bulky appliance—it was a quiet testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of their families. Parents and grandparents made the most of what they had, teaching lessons in resilience and thrift that still resonate today. That “stack” wasn’t just furniture; it was a foundation—one generation lifting the next, both literally and metaphorically.
Why “New/Broke”?
The name New/Broke is a reflection of xennials’ unique position in history. Sandwiched between the analog world of Gen X and the digital era of millennials, this generation saw the rise of new technology but also bore the brunt of economic instability.
The same generation that grew up with rotary phones and floppy disks was expected to master smartphones and social media overnight. They came of age during the dot-com boom, only to face the Great Recession as they were building their careers. Unlike their parents, many xennials found themselves starting over, rebuilding with less wealth and fewer safety nets.
“New/Broke” is a nod to that duality. It celebrates the hustle of trying to keep up with a rapidly evolving world while acknowledging the very real financial struggles that have shaped xennials' adult lives. It’s about being new enough to adapt but broke enough to struggle—and finding the humor, pride, and determination in that balancing act.
Generational Support
At its core, the New/Broke Collection symbolizes the idea of intergenerational support. Just as the old TV held up the new one, xennials owe much of their stability to the sacrifices and hard work of the generations before them. But it also challenges them to think about their role as the “floor models” of the future, supporting the next generation in a world that is just as uncertain.
A Conversation Piece
Every piece in the New/Broke Collection is designed to spark a conversation—about growing up in that transitional era, about resilience, and about what it means to bridge two worlds. Whether you wear it as a hoodie, rock it as a T-shirt, or sport it as part of your everyday look, you’re carrying a little piece of history with you. You’re saying, “This is who I am, where I come from, and where I’m going.”
Join the Movement
The New/Broke Collection isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a cultural statement. It’s for anyone who grew up juggling cassette tapes and CDs, Saturday morning cartoons and dial-up internet. It’s for everyone who’s had to make something work because that’s what you do. It’s for the generation that’s still figuring out how to be new while being broke—and doing it with style.
Grab your piece of the New/Broke Collection today and wear your generational pride on your sleeve—literally. Let’s honor the stacks that made us who we are and uplift the next generation, one design at a time.
