AZCulture.com Sneak Peek: State Forty-Eight Clothing - a perfect fit for Arizona pride

By Matt Marn
Published in AZCulture.com

Spangenberg (far right) and the State Forty-Eight crew

From when Michael Spangenberg was a child, he always knew he wanted to start a fashion line. Now, he has a growing clothing and apparel line to share with Arizona.

Spangenberg grew up in Chandler along with his friend, Stephen Polano, and Polano's younger brother, Nick. Stephen was soon on board with Spangenberg's idea to begin a fashion label, and one morning, the name came to Stephen - State Forty-Eight.

"Nick got involved in the graphic design, and after that, we just went all-in on it - just going for it, using our resources," Spangenberg said. "Fashion shoes, community events, talking to stores... just really going for it."

While none of the three have business degrees or backgrounds, State Forty-Eight is truly taking off. New, fresh designs, local sporting team colors in many of their collections, and social media marketing - not to mention word-of-mouth interest - are helping State Forty-Eight grow into a household name in AZ.

"It all starts in sports for us; for me and Stephen in particular," Spangenberg said. "I remember going to Cardinals games, and half of the stadium is full of fans of the other team. It was embarrassing. It's about pride in our home."

What began as a show of pride in local sports teams has quickly grown into a popular show of pride in all things Arizona. Their collections feature vibrant colors, designs and patterns - including colors of the Phoenix Suns, the Arizona Diamondbacks, ASU, U of A, as well as Patrick Peterson Cardinals designs. Clothing and apparel varieties include men's, women's, and youth T-shirts, hoodies, and hats... even infant outfits - something for everyone in AZ.

"It's just like everywhere else," Spangenberg said. "It's about pride in our hometown. Great weather, sports and activities... It's one of the largest cities in the United States. The local movement has grown - what better way to grow support than from local residents, people who feel the same way as you do. It's a great way to wear your support on your sleeve."

Read more from the article on State Forty-Eight in the full article, featured at AZCulture.com!