The Beginning: An Idea With No Brakes

A reflection from Tony CityLove:

I am not sure how it became Buffalo shirts. I can remember sitting around with a few friends and doing the occasional “that-would-make-a-cool-shirt” laughing that accompanies young adulthood … and I eventually got the idea to test the waters by doing a small project of shirts for students around the celebrations on the last day of classes at Canisius College. [re: "Quad Party"] The titles were “Quad Party Drinking Team” and “4.0 Student” …. Instant Classics.

Next, I made the decision to “Promote Buffalo Through Art” and make Buffalo shirts because it was the most direct way to provide a “service” to the city … (without sinking on a politician’s ship). We launched with a “Special Preview Party” at Soho on Chippewa (New Theme! #Burgers).

In July 2007, I quit my job working at a very nice restaurant and was now a full-time Buffalo T-shirt salesman. CityLove products were available on “Day 1″ at citylovebuffalo.com, which is now this site’s 2nd domain, and I had to key-in credit card numbers myself. Also, I folded the shirts, printed the receipts, and packed the envelopes. [That hasn't changed even today!]

I knew that I had to get quality pictures of the shirts so we began working with professional photographers and eventually found a great working relationship with fellow Canisius alum Jordan Lema. We were having photo-shoots; we were traveling to see Bills Backers Groups throughout the continental US (re: NYC). Every event, raffle donation, road trip, fashion show, and happy hour made for exciting and ever-changing ways to increase exposure for the brand.

In July of 2007, we printed (5) designs for men and women, respectively. I had quite a few boxes stacked just feet from where I slept at night. Then, within the first three months, four more designs appeared and the reaction from CityLovers was great. CityLove had great products, great photos, excellent feedback, and a very small, but growing community of support.

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CityLove Clothing has been making the Best Buffalo Shirts available since July 2007. All of our Buffalo Tees use high-quality fabrics, featuring original designs created by local artists. If you see a Buffalo T-shirt you like, please contact us or shop our available styles at www.shopcitylove.com