RAINE MAGAZINE Volume 8 | Innovate

The Space Coast of Florida is not only known for NASA and shuttle
launches (Cape Canaveral is just up the street), but also as the hometown
of some of the world’s top surfers including, CJ and Damien Hobgood—
particularly Satellite Beach. The whole town of Satellite Beach has the surfing
bug. From amateurs and casual surf enthusiasts to members of the pro-circuit,
everyone has at least one surfboard at home. The town easily leant itself as the
perfect birthplace for Villon Sportswear.
Surfing may be Quavillon’s favorite sport, but it is also the core of
who he is as a person. Surf culture is all about loving and enjoying life. It’s
a lifestyle that embraces self-exploration. It’s this mentality that has helped
him take a natural and very organic journey into creating his brand. Originally
a furniture designer, Quavillon made a name for himself in the community for
making unique tables and other pieces out of sustainable materials, including
bamboo. He later tried his hand at designing cool, comfortable gear for friends
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREN COOPER WELLER
and family. Starting with t-shirts and artwork he personally designed, he took
an artistic hand (he had a natural affinity for drawing), combined the lessons
learned from a multi-sport background and used them to lay the foundation for
what is quickly becoming one of the top brands of surf fashion in the United
States. But Villon is more than just t-shirts and surf/skate wear. Villon is
something for the people.
Villon started out as something Quavillon did for fun; giving his friends
t-shirts and other gear with unique designs which quickly caught the attention
of surfers visiting Satellite Beach. Soon, friends were helping him grow his
business by organizing events where his shirts were being sold, and later he
hired them as his first sales reps.
Villon is growing quickly and, like surf culture, is embracing the
community in which it was born. Going green and embracing a sustainable
lifestyle is more than a trend for the brand. It is actually its next step with the
soon-to-be launch of Ollive, a charity driven collection whose proceeds will go to
benefit charities that focus on children, the environment and animals. The line
itself will be made of organic cottons and inks.
Villon Sportswear is currently being sold through handpicked
distributors in select locations and very soon online at www.villonsurf.com.
Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate 31