The U.S. underwear brand Andrew Christian will be closing its operations after nearly thirty years in the fashion business. 47 year old designer Andrew Christian has announced his retirement and revealed that his attempts to sell the business have been unsuccessful so far.
He attributed this difficulty to competition from cheaper "fast fashion" online outlets and the current American political climate, which has led to hesitation in engaging with LGBTQ+ focused businesses.
Christian has urged the community to support one another, particularly during this challenging time. “If the LGBTIQ+ community doesn’t support gay brands, gay bars, and similar businesses, there will be no gay businesses left. We’re at a critical moment where our community needs to make conscious decisions about where we spend our money, or we risk losing the very spaces and brands that have supported us for decades.
"My last words as a designer won’t be spoken aloud, but instead, they will be sewn into Bespoke Winter 2025 (October), my final collection. Shortly after, the company will close.”
While the closure marks the end of an era, Christian reflected on the brand’s impact on queer identity and visibility.
“Knowing that Andrew Christian underwear gave someone the confidence to love themselves more, to feel seen, or even to come out of the closet — that’s what matters most to me.”
Check out the Andrew Christian online shop before it closes later this year.
