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They’re not your typical t-shirts. They’re not even your typical local t-shirts. They’re Tony Peralta t-shirts.
Take, for example, the shirt depicting the sale of Manhattan to the Dutch, or another of an old style “horseless carriage” that advertises a fictional livery cab service.
“I didn't want to just design a series that mentioned street names, but a series that also included the history of our neighborhoods to help people learn more about our surroundings,” said Peralta, 35.
This spring Peralta ramped up the long-running Peralta Project a series of art, clothing and jewelry dedicated to Inwood and Washington Heights, and has seen orders for his designs come in from across the U.S and Canada, even as far away as Japan.
“When I received some of these international orders, it was a bit of surprise because some of my clothing has a local feel. Maybe it’s the designs or we have some Inwood or Washington Heights residents who have moved overseas,” said Peralta. “Whatever it may be, I'm just glad it's doing well.”
The shirts are local, and have a distinct edge.
One shirt has two six-shooters crossed and the words “defend uptown” emblazoned across them. He has bowties for streets like Payson and Post Avenues and Dyckman Street, and a stark black ball cap with tall start white words printed across that read Wash. Hts.
There’s a message in each, like with the shirt with the 1626 purchase of Manhattan Island by the Dutch West Indian Company, which legend says took place in Inwood Hill Park. The pattern surrounding the image depicting the sale looks like a dollar bill, or other currency, and says “Money Making Manhattan.”
He’s also designed for other name brands, like limited edition sunglasses for Republica Eyewear; as well as handbags for the likes of Baby Phat, Kathy Van Zeeland, and Oscar De La Renta. His shirts have also been worn by the likes of Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Sean Kingston.
Peralta grew up in Washington Heights in a single parent household, and credits art with saving his life.
He grew up in the 1980s and early 90s, when drugs were being peddled and used at a higher rate than at any time in our neighborhood's history. It was tough for many kids in the neighborhood to resist the allure of fast money.
“I knew a few people who wanted to be Scarface. Even today, when I leave my apartment I hear a lot of kids just talk about drugs. I wish they knew there was so much more they can do with their lives,” said Peralta.
“There's nothing appealing of watching your back for rivals or the police. It's not a fun job.”
While others sold drugs, he was peddling his handmade t-shirt when he was 17, and believes a feeling of self-worth kept him away from drugs.
“I always felt like I was special and knew I had a purpose on this earth. I felt my creativity helped to keep me away from that line of work,” said Peralta.
His creativity was encouraged by his mother who always gushed to her friends and family members of how proud she was of his talents.
“My mom really helped me get to this point. She inspired me not only with her words, but entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic.”
“I have so much more left to offer. I will continue working and hope my art doesn't just inspire people in this country, but inspire and spread internationally as well.”
Tony Peralta's "The Peralta Project" series can be found at local boutiques Probus on W. 181st Street and Nostylgia on Dyckman Street, as well as on ThePeraltaProject.com.
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