Guides 7 years ago

Meet the creator of a unique clothing line originating from Syracuse

You won’t be able to take your eyes off of Madison Silverberg’s work.

R_U_Frat, is a locally founded clothing line that’s taking college students by storm. Madison Silverberg, a Communication and Rhetorical Studies major and Syracuse 2016 alum, created the brand and works hard to provide customers with unique and stylish apparel, ranging from jean jackets to joggers.

We talked with Madison to delve deeper into her growing business and get the deets on how she makes these trendy pieces.

How and when did you start R_U_Frat? Did anything specifically inspire you to begin your own clothing line?

I started R_U_Frat my sophomore year. I had gone into T-Shirt World (a store on Marshall Street) for a new shirt for the tailgate that was coming up and I found a hello-kitty shirt that was adorable. The only problem was that it was kid size. I cut the shirt up so I could fit it over my body and wore it that day. I got so many compliments and thought… if only I could design my own ideas for adult sizes. That is how it began and it just evolved from there.

Founder Madison Silverberg (right)

Did you face any challenges when starting R_U_Frat?

The problem with evolving the business at this point is the fact that social media makes it so easy for someone to copy the art work I create. Especially after leaving school I tend to see a ton of copies of the artwork that I had created in the past seasons. I now realized it’s better to take it as a compliment, and that has also encouraged me to continue to make different designs each season instead of using old ones I had done in the past.

One of the newest pieces, and boy do we want it.

How would you describe your clothing line? What makes it unique?

I think that R_U_Frat is a complete reflection of my own personal style. I use my own edge mixed with the trends that are up and coming to create new looks. I like taking risks because it makes designing more fun. A few of the designs are risky but in the end when I see customers rocking them, it makes it worth it.

That’s right, she’s even patched handbags before.

What is the process of making the apparel?

Once I think of an idea for a t-shirt or a long sleeve (the designs I produce in bulk), I type up the idea and send it to become artwork where the factory I use mocks up a sample. I then order all my clothing and ship that to them for printing. The pieces that are one of a kind, flannels, jean jackets, varsity jackets, are all custom and hand-made. The flannels I dip dye, bleach, sew, stud, and apply appliqués. That also goes for the denim jackets. For the varsity jackets, I designed a ton of patches that I had made and I applied them as I thought fit. I have been focusing on the one-of-a-kind pieces more because I find them to reflect the latest trends.

Madison does her own patchwork which adds even more to the unique line!

Do you have any goals for R_U_Frat?

I love how far R_U_Frat has come and just hope to continue to use the newest trends to think of new ideas. I had never imagined I would be designing for parents which is super cool because I have apparel for college students but also for their mom or dad who wants to come visit. I have also started to create everyday apparel that doesn’t necessarily reflect college gameday clothing, so I am super excited to share those new designs.

Apparel for the tailgate, party, and everything in between.

What is your favorite part about creating clothing for your line?

My favorite part about creating the clothing is seeing people wear it. I am confident in every piece I create but it doesn’t hurt to see that confidence come to life.

We’re in love with these dyed and bleached ‘Cuse flannels.

We know what you’re thinking: how do I get my hands on these? Check out R_U_Frat’s I nsta to learn more and make sure you’re the best dressed at the next tailgate!

Syracuse University