One thing about growing up in small towns is you never really know how you know someone. You just know them. That’s the case for Waterbury-based designers Sean Cremins and Lorenzo Nicolasora. They met at some undefinable time in middle school. What they do know is their friendship solidified in high school, bonding over a shared appreciation for brands like Nigo-era A Bathing Ape.

The duo, both 22, are now business partners in two brands, Denim Endings, founded in 2021, and Endings Originals, founded in 2024.

The second line, Endings Originals, sticks to spray-painted hoodies, t-shirts, and sweats that first earned the designers a loyal following (100 hoodies sell in a flash). Denim Endings meanwhile offers denim made of Boro, an intricate Japanese patching the men construct entirely themselves. One pair can take up to three days. “Sewing isn’t fun, but our ambition to produce leads to countless hours of trial and error,” said Nicolasora. “I would say that in year five, I’m pretty decent.” (This is where Warren comes in: he fixes their sewing machines.)

As they look to the future, the designers are building up inventory and looking at new markets, like housewares. Yes, investors’ capital would help them expand production on their uber-popular tees and hoodies, but Sean assures fans they’re committed to that by-hand quality for denim: “We pride ourselves on our sewing abilities and textiles we make. Those will always be in-house.” 

And ideally close to home.