Philadelphia’s underground fashion scene has always been loud without needing a mic. It’s in the quiet confidence of a walk, the intention stitched into every article of clothing, and the legacy being built by hand. At the heart of this movement are three brands: PishPosh, StockedUp, and TORTURE® each unique in style and approach, but aligned in values. Their mission? To push the culture forward through fashion that’s deeply personal, rooted in community, and unapologetically visionary.
TORTURE®: Pain as Power
Founded in 2012 by Lesly St. Louis, TORTURE® was born from hardship and resilience. Today, it wears that struggle like a badge of honor. “Torture is the hardships you endure but wear proudly,” St. Louis tells CONE. The brand’s bold statements, distorted graphics, and “NOT FOR RESALE” ethos reflectits defiant DNA.
St. Louis pulls inspiration from anime (like Akira), real-life experiences, and late-night grind sessions. “Fashion is basically a blank canvas,” he explains. “What you wear is you.” His first sale was a Kanye-inspired all-over print tee that said “Power 77” on the back. “When I sold it for the first time, I was like, bruh, I can really do this.” That moment changed everything for St. Louis. The brand was no longer just a passion project; it had real potential.
TORTURE®’s growth has been anything but accidental. “I was popping up everywhere, not taking no for an answer,” the determined founder recalls. That persistence landed him at NYFW ‘24 with help from Malo of Emotional Therapy. Now, he’s building new spaces like Torture Stream—a live platform he launched after encouragement from artist and streamer Raud Geez. The vision for the near future? The birth of new things.
StockedUp: Built for Elevation
Since 2015, StockedUp has worn its mission on its sleeve: “Elevating within oneself.” For its founder, Nigre Neal, the brand is about inspiring to see beyond their zip code. “We want them to know there’s more to life than the small radius we grew up in,” he shares with CONE.
StockedUp draws visual inspiration from travel, but its foundation is deeply local. Its curated event, The StockMarket Flea, was inspired by LA flea markets and reimagined for Philly creatives. “I saw those markets in LA and thought, ‘why can’t I bring this energy home and build with people I know?’”
His first sale was an old English StockedUp snapback, a nod to west coast influence. “That sale told me I was onto something,” he reflects. Since then, StockedUp has worked with a range of artists like 2Rare, DJ Crazy, D4M SLoan, Amir Ali, Bay Swag, GuapDad, and American baseball player Mo’ne Davis. Today, the brand remains a pillar in both Philly’s fashion and music scenes. They’ll make their annual appearance at the 2025 Roots Picnic. When asked about the future, Neal’s vision is crystal clear: “It looks like Nordstrom, but instead, it’s StockedUp. And we carry people under our umbrella.”
PishPosh: Wearable Art with a Pulse
PishPosh launched in 2014 with a bleached tee and the idea that fashion could be pure expression. “Never give up, be creative,” is the motto. Imani Harris, the brand owner, lives it fully. From hand-painted designs to home décor and upcoming collaborations with national brands her work is rooted in originality.
“I love wowing people and doing stuff that hasn’t been done,” Imani tells CONE, describing her fearless approach to design. To her, fashion is art in motion. “I’m creating artwork through fabric,” she says, pulling from the rhythm of everyday life. Music, especially, plays a major role in her process. “My grandfather was a DJ. My dad managed one of the first R&B acts signed to Cash Money in the 90s. I love listening to music while I create.”
PishPosh’s impact reaches far beyond clothing. Through prom giveaways and community outreach, the brand centers care as much as creativity. As for the future? It’s looking bright. “Right now, I’m in talks with Tommy Hilfiger,” she reveals. “I just submitted sketches for my next collection with Urban Outfitters, and I’m expanding my décor line.”
Legacy in the Thread
Each of these founders brings something distinct to the table: PishPosh’s vibrancy, StockedUp’s community-first energy, and TORTURE®’s emotional weight. Together, they’re doing more than just making clothes. They’re building a legacy. Their works prove that creativity, culture, and connection aren’t fleeting trends or buzzwords. They’re the threads holding together something enduring and authentic.This isn’t just streetwear. It’s storytelling woven into every stitch, shaping the culture that’s coming next.
Byline: Siani Leigh