Brennah Strange, a University of Utah student and Park City High School graduate, launches her clothing brand, Hookchute, blending utility and style for outdoor enthusiasts.
Brennah Strange, a Park City High School alum and current final-year student in the Multi-Disciplinary Design program at the University of Utah, has embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by launching her clothing brand, Hookchute, which aims to blend utility with fashion. The brand reflects her deep-rooted passion for the outdoors, inspired by her family’s relocation from California to Park City, Utah, when she was in the eighth grade.
Strange’s family moved to Park City after her father accepted a job offer in the area. “Park City is definitely where I found the outdoors,” Strange remarked. “Before, I was in the suburbs of San Francisco and not very outdoorsy. But my dad’s a huge skier, so when we moved to Utah, we started skiing a ton, and that’s where my love for the outdoors kind of blossomed.”
From a young age, Strange developed a passion for sewing, having learned the craft from her father in the fourth grade. Her interest in fashion took a significant turn during her high school years when she collaborated on a fundraiser fashion show for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This project inspired her to establish a fashion club with a friend, setting the foundation for her future pursuits in the industry.
Strange’s journey then took her to Baylor University to study apparel design, where she initially felt detached from her true calling in outdoor wear. “Everyone was making dresses and skirts and blouses. And I was like, ‘Hey, how can I make this more applicable to what I want to do?’” she explained. Eventually, she transferred back to Utah to better align her studies with her interests in designing ski wear and outdoor apparel.
Armed with technical knowledge in pattern making and apparel design, Strange culminated her studies into the creation of Hookchute. In the previous fall, she organized her own fashion show featuring 27 of her creations, establishing a unique community-oriented experience with live music and outdoor runway showcasing. “Hookchute is a brand made for people who want to look good in the outdoors,” Strange noted, emphasizing her focus on bright colors and sustainability in the apparel line.
Strange envisions Hookchute as more than just a clothing brand; she sees it as a community-centric initiative that will host various events in relaxed environments. With plans to create pop-up shows across the country, she aims to foster a sense of belonging among outdoor enthusiasts.
The brand has now released its first product, an active tank top designed for running and climbing, available for pre-order through the Hookchute website. Strange has decided to adopt an in-house manufacturing model, prioritizing sustainability and reducing waste through limited pre-orders. “I think especially in the outdoor industry it’s kind of rare that things are handmade,” she stated.
As her brand grows, Strange intends to expand her operations by hiring additional seamstresses and eventually creating her own sewing room. On Thursday, April 3, from 6-9 p.m., she will host a “drop party” at the University of Utah’s Roger Bailey Exhibition Hall, where additional pre-order slots for the Lonetree Tank will be available. The community event will include a design discussion, screen printing activities, and complimentary snow cones.
Strange’s journey serves as an encouragement for aspiring designers, with her offer of support and advice, particularly to students from Park City High School interested in fashion. She invites those curious to learn more to connect with her through social media.
For further details about Strange and her brand, individuals can visit hookchute.com.
Source: Noah Wire Services
