X-treme 2 X-treme
There is one item no guy or girl in this industry can EVER have enough of....CLOTHING! You see people walking around the Arnold or Olympia expos carrying huge bags stuffed full of tank tops, tshirts, and sweatshirts that they either bought or received for free (after waiting in line for an hour). After reflecting on this industry truth, photographer Mike Yurkovic decided it was time to start his own clothing line....... and X2X was born! “X2X” stands for "X-treme 2 X-treme” since fitness, bodybuilding and strength athletes take their daily workouts from one extreme to the next. In this exclusive interview, Mike fills us in on the inside scoop on this clothing line and he tells us how you can get involved in its future success.
RX: What origionally sparked the idea to start your own clothing line?
Mike: The fact that I was always having photoshoot athletes bringing other companies workout clothing lines to shoot in with me. Being that I had a long background developing and manufacturing workout clothing, it gave me motivation to start a new line. As well, I saw a need for a new line with high quality "performance" fabrics geared specifically to the fitness/bodybuilding market.
RX: How long did it take to create the designs for the clothes?
Mike: Worked on the styles, logos and designs for about a year. Tested samples at local gyms and stores in L.A. and got feedback from friends and industry people.
RX: How will you tie in your work as a photographer with your new line?
Mike: Magazines I work with wanted me to shoot athletes in various workout clothing and styles for training shoots, so its a perfect fit. I have had amazing support from both top level pros and amateur athletes I have done shoots with wanting to help promote the line.
RX: What makes your clothing line unique from the others in the industry?
Mike: Our clothes are made with the newest performance fabrics available. They feel light, cool and breathe when you train. They move and flex with you. The logos look great without being too loud and busy.
RX: What products can we expect to see in the future from X2X
Mike: We are starting with over 20 styles and will add all the time.Many more mens' shirt and ladies top and bottom styles are in the works as well as accessories like hats, beanies, etc.
RX: How can athletes find out more about purchasing your clothes or reach you with questions?
Mike: Our online store is open at http://www.x2xclothing.com/products_main.php?msg=products . Athletes that are interested in promotional opportunities with X2X can email me at [email protected] and find me at Facebook under Mike Yurkovic. Clothes are available through our online store as well as select gyms and sport nutrition retailers. A list of retailers can be found at our main website, www.x2xclothing.com .
We are planning on doing contest booths in 2012 and anyone interested in setting up their own X2X booth to sell at a local show in their area can contact me at [email protected]
RX: In closing, who would you like to thank?
Mike:We have had amazing support from athletes and friends helping to promote the clothes and spread the word. We would like to give special thanks to Stan McQuay, Scott Turner Victor Martinez and Hidetada Yamagishi.
