# He Came From Nothing... Now His Brand Is In Saks Fifth Avenue

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDm7n3tclys
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/CDm7n3tclys
Generated: 2025-11-20T17:49:19.145+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The brand Saint Vanity successfully transitioned from selling t-shirts out of a car trunk in 2022 to securing placement in luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue by focusing on quality, networking, and believing in the brand's vision, despite initial challenges with overseas manufacturing and sizing.

**Key Points:**
- Saint Vanity started in 2022 selling t-shirts directly out of the trunk of a car.
- The brand achieved placement in Saks Fifth Avenue, sitting next to luxury giants like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
- The founder, Ant, credits his success to networking, especially connecting with people like Skooter and Baby Pluto, and believing in his own vision.
- Initial manufacturing involved overseas sourcing, but the founder brought printing in-house after experiencing issues with quality and sizing (e.g., hoodies coming too small).
- The founder invested in two print machines and handles production in-house, emphasizing quality control and not cutting corners on tags or fit.
- The initial drop of t-shirts sold out quickly, with the founder making a $10,000 profit on the first run.
- The founder advises aspiring brand owners to start small with blanks, invest in quality, and network effectively.

![Screenshot at 00:00: The founder, Ant, stands inside a Saks Fifth Avenue pop-up next to a sign displaying the brand name "SAINT VANITY," illustrating the brand's current high-end retail placement.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/CDm7n3tclys/00-00-00.png)

**Context:** This video features an interview with Ant, the founder of the clothing brand Saint Vanity, detailing his rapid success story. The interview takes place partly outside a Saks Fifth Avenue store and later inside his warehouse/office space, contrasting the brand's humble beginnings in 2022 with its current success of being stocked in major luxury retailers.

## Detailed Analysis

The video chronicles the journey of Saint Vanity, founded by Ant, who began selling printed t-shirts from his car trunk in 2022. His brand has rapidly ascended to be stocked inside Saks Fifth Avenue, positioned alongside established luxury names like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Ant emphasizes that this success was built on self-belief, networking—specifically mentioning connections with Skooter and Baby Pluto—and maintaining high quality standards. He recounts an early successful drop where initial t-shirts sold out quickly, netting $10,000 profit. Initially using overseas manufacturing, Ant switched to in-house printing after facing issues with quality and sizing (like receiving hoodies that were too small). He now operates out of a warehouse filled with inventory, utilizing two print machines to maintain control over quality, graphics, and fit, stating he advises others to start small with blanks before investing heavily in custom overseas production. He also mentions getting advice from his teacher, Mr. Drake, and securing wholesale partnerships with retailers like A Ma Maniére and Luxury Box.

### Brand Origins and Ascent

- Started in 2022 selling t-shirts from a car trunk
- Achieved placement in Saks Fifth Avenue
- Secured wholesale deals with A Ma Maniére and Luxury Box

### Manufacturing Philosophy

- Brought printing in-house after facing issues with overseas quality and sizing (e.g., small hoodies)
- Invested in two print machines for full quality control
- Focuses on high-quality products, including custom tags and correct fits

### Financial Milestones

- First drop of t-shirts made $10,000 profit
- Initial production cost for some items was around $6 per piece, retailing for $70-$80

### Key Influences and Advice

- Credits networking and self-belief for success
- Mentions influences like Skooter, Baby Pluto, and his teacher Mr. Drake
- Advises new brands to start small with blanks, focus on quality, and network effectively

### Product Showcase

- Displays various items including graphic tees (like the 'OG' shirt), camo sets, shorts, and jackets, highlighting the embroidery on a blue jacket

![Screenshot at 00:00: The founder, Ant, stands inside a Saks Fifth Avenue pop-up next to a sign displaying the brand name "SAINT VANITY," illustrating the brand's current high-end retail placement.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/CDm7n3tclys/00-00-00.png)
![Screenshot at 00:05: The founder is shown pulling large plastic bags of merchandise out of a car trunk, contrasting with his current warehouse operation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/CDm7n3tclys/00-00-05.png)
![Screenshot at 00:39: A close-up shot of the white Porsche Panamera and white Mercedes G-Wagon owned by the interviewee, showcasing success.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/CDm7n3tclys/00-00-39.png)
![Screenshot at 02:15: The founder points to stacks of military-style clothing and large storage bins in the warehouse, illustrating the scale of current inventory.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/CDm7n3tclys/00-02-15.png)
![Screenshot at 03:01: A close-up shot of a dark grey graphic t-shirt featuring a distorted figure and the text "SAINT VANITY," representing the brand's core aesthetic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/CDm7n3tclys/00-03-01.png)
