founder Jon Mishner (pictured, in one of his signature designs) moved to Tampa in 2001 from Baltimore and launched his designer clothing company in 2007 with the mission to become an international trademark. He takes much of his inspiration from Tampa’s landscape and people, explaining, “I’d like to build up Tampa and make it a permanent fixture on the national map.” Eleven O Twelve’s merchandise largely consists of men’s and women’s graphic tees, with more to come — including men’s button-up shirts and pants. Being a self-taught man (he has no formal training in design or fashion) and an entrepreneur, Jon says the learning curve in launching Eleven O Twelve is steep, but that, “You just don't give up if you believe 110 percent in what you're doing.” Right now, three Hyde Park shops carry Eleven O Twelve merch: Nicholson House, B’szene Boutique, and Tracy & Co. I met with Jon last Sunday in his Hyde Park home to find out what Eleven O Twelve is all about. This is what he told me:
CL: You said you have no formal schooling in fashion or design. What is your educational background and what made you decide to get into fashion?
This article appears in Dec 2-8, 2009.