DEFYE is an edgy clothing label that started in 2007 in California by CEO Michael S. Doherty. The independent clothing label and cultural movement now has since established its headquarters in the owners hometown, Lansing Michigan.

CONCEPT DEFYE is an acronym for the concept: DEFine Your Own Existence. The philosophical take on fashion is to give society the choice to define who they are and 'find their own path' in life. Designs give an honest interpretation of life annd what is going on in the mind. Concepts without any boundaries focusing on the inner battles and the suffering individuals go through to find their own direction.

DESIGNS Roots of: Raw Strength.

Doors of Perception

Dealing with the eye, and different viewpoints according to people's background and angle of perception.. Different ways we see the worrl, and the world sees us. Reality is an extremely relative thing when the various interpretations and spectrums are brought to life.

Quest for Truth

Not all who wander are lost... This design is a celebration of those who are willing to search for the Truth at all costs. Many times, the more answers we seek, the more questions we actually find. The compass with TRUTH as the North arrow, and the thinker statue below in the design. The overall theme of this piece is "mastering the depths of the ocean/ our minds, to reach the heights of humanity". You'll notice the sea creatures below, and a plane in the middle of a mind, taking you up to the infinite realm of human potential within the galaxy. "Dubito Ergo Cogito, Cogito Ergo Sum": I doubt therefore I think, I think therefore I am. -Descartes-  

Spartan Warrior

The ultimate warrior. The invincible mindset of the ancient Spartans that created a reputation so fierce that there was no need for walls around the city. In our society today, our laws have a tendency to protect and encourage the weak. The problem is that the strong are the ones who end up suffering. This is a design celebrates the strength, discipline, and honor of the original Sparta.  

Path Less Traveled

The path less traveled contains a mixture of liberation and isolation. It's a fight- a life or death struggle to define ourselves without the luxury of following the status quo. It takes great strength and focus to survive along a path that constantly leads you against the wind. Not all survive.  

Detroit

The artist did an extensive amount of research on the city of Detroit for this one, and the fact that it was founded on a group of visionaries and hard workers. This is a piece that looks at someone, or something that tries to hold you back in life at times. Focusing on the strength it takes to rise above it, or drive right through it with the roar of a thousand lions.

Impermanence

Dealing with time and the fact that everything is impermanent. The world around us is in a constant state of change, and we will all eventually die. But will we actually live before that time comes? Questioning the concept of survival of the fittest, and the purpose of life at its root.

Not All Survive

Planes searching for Truth/ Veritas. The more answers we seek, the more questions we find. Strength is earned. People are not broken in battle, but from a lack of courage to go to battle when necessary instead. Fight for it.

Root of Desire

This design features a guitar drawing and accompanies the Root of Desire design. A look into music and rock 'n' roll. The idea to rebel against the norms of society through a different form of expression. The root of fame and desire. The idea of a celebrity, and how and why are they created. A look at "bad boys", who is Leroy Brown, and questioning the root our our desires as individuals along the way.

Formation of the Mind

There is an assembly line of infant minds being formed by the hands of society, or hands of "God" in this design. Questioning how we are constructed as individuals, and what makes us who we are. What is Free Will, and does it really exist? Nature vs. Nurture, or is it perhaps a combination? Some questions in life are simply not meant to be answered, and in the end it's up to us to fight for our own destinies.

Outlaw

A motorcycle theme. Exploring the mindset of the ultimate rebel, extreme drifter. No attachments, no limits. Questioning authority, and any illusion that tries to hold someone down. The open, independent road, where the only option is to live free.

Beneath the Surface

Truth exists beneath the clothing. Beneath the masks of confidence and smiling faces. At night when we are alone in a silent room. This is who we are as a person, as an animal. As a being whose life is not nearly as significant as we’d like to think.

EXPANSION DEFYE first began in a kitchen with a rigged oven used for the drying process and has since tripled now expanding into a 4500 square foot retail location in Meridian Mall.

Expansion into other retail stores in the midwest regions including Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Chicago.