Curbdirt crafting a takeover

Editor's note: Michelle DeMore is a Register correspondent and owner of Up in the Stars Studio on Perkins Avenue. NORWALK — For the greater part of a decade, Curbdirt energy has existed. It began as a silly side comment spoken between two friends on their way to band practice. Over the years, it evolved into an all-encompassing, multifaceted word and lifestyle fashion brand. "If I say I'm doing 'Curbdirt' things with my 'Curbdirt' friends, that could mean I'm helping an old lady across the street, doing hood rat things, going to the store with my mom, brain-rotting in my room watching movies, going to the club or playing shows," said Tyler Liller, of Norwalk, who founded a clothing brand he named Curbdirt. "'Curbdirt' is a noun, verb and adjective all at once," Liller said. "Curbdirt exists inside of you, and you don't even realize it." Liller is an artist, musician, entrepreneur and dream-maker. Outside of Curbdirt, he plays drums for his original metal band, Renegade Angel, with acclaimed hip-hop artist Xipilli, and with area cover band Master TC and the Visitors. Additionally, Liller also does graphic design work and makes custom rugs during the cold months. Though the term "Curbdirt" first came to be in 2016, the concept of it as a brand didn't blossom until 2019. During that evolutionary time, Liller found inspiration for designs from his own personal hobbies and interests, other fashion brands he admired, lifestyles he aligned with and imagery he and those he's closest with find appealing. "When it comes to themes and designs, I like a lot of different aesthetics. I like crazy, colorful designs, but I also like simple and clean designs just as much," Liller said. "I wanted to be able to suit people of all lifestyles and interests, and bring them together in one brand. I wanted Curbdirt to become its own world that took every different style and put it in one park." Runway show planned Curbdirt features a line-up of hoodies, shirts, hats, crew necks and sweatpants. The brand is available to purchase on the company's website or in person at various music and art shows, festivals, community happenings and at special events. One such special event is The Other Side of the Curb, which is set to take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at Up in the Stars Studio, 220 W. Perkins Avenue, Unit A. The Other Side of the Curb will feature a runway-style fashion show, touting looks from Curbdirt's upcoming product drop as well as some popular designs already available. Additionally, there will be dancing to music by DJ Xipilli, raffles, 50/50s, other merchandise vendors to shop from and food from Sir Munchies Pizza. The show is sponsored in part by Rose Buds Farms, Cook's Handyman Service, Barely Creative Print Co. and Angelo Audio. There is no cover charge, and the event is open to all ages. "Some may think I'm crazy, but my ultimate goal is to sell at Zumiez one day, maybe have a flagship store in Columbus or out west," Liller said. "I want to sponsor things as a clothing brand in racing but also sell at music festivals and stuff. I want to get Curbdirt in every market I can, because Curbdirt is just going to take over the world, simple as that." People can follow Curbdirt on Facebook and Instagram under the handle @CurbdirtClothing and visit its website at curbdirt.com.