Tommy Bogo, the visionary founder of TOMBOGO™, masterfully intertwines sustainable fashion with functional and nostalgic technology. He redefines the design of technology used in modern hang-out culture, such as the PocketCam, Pocket Flash Light, Memory Vessel SD Card, and Bag Table Light, which evoke fond memories of early digital devices while delivering modern functionality.
Background and Brand Philosophy
Hailing from Oakland, California, Tommy Bogo’s upbringing in a community that celebrated artistic innovation has profoundly influenced his design ethos. TOMBOGO™ emerged as an outlet for Bogo to merge his diverse interests, resulting in a brand that emphasizes functional, sustainable, and technologically infused designs. The brand’s commitment to versatility is evident in its apparel, which often features modular components and multifunctional elements, reflecting Bogo’s belief that “functional fashion is about problem solving.”
At LA Fashion Week (LAFW) in November 2024, TOMBOGO™ presented “SOUND DESIGN,” a curated audio experience developed in collaboration with Nike. Hosted by Sukiibaby, the event featured performances by artists including Noodz, Siobhan Bell, Kitty Say Word, Braingobrrrrrrrr, and Tommy Bogo himself.
This initiative exemplifies Tommy Bogo’s commitment to integrating fashion, music, and technology, enhancing the sensory experience of fashion presentations. The event also featured TOMBOGO Vision, an interactive platform offering music, games, and TOMBOGO-themed photo filters, further engaging attendees in the brand’s innovative approach.
Style x Functionality
Tommy Bogo’s journey into integrating technology with fashion began with a fascination for camcorders, particularly the Sony HandyCam. This interest led to the creation of TOMBOGO’s NostalgiaCam, a 1080p handheld camcorder designed to evoke early 2000s digital experiences. The NostalgiaCam features a custom TOMBOGO welcome screen with a nostalgic startup sound, 16x zoom, night vision, face detection, LED flash, and a 3″ swivel display monitor. Its design and functionality reflect Bogo’s commitment to blending vintage aesthetics with modern technology.
Tommy Bogo’s integration of both fashion and technology stems from his multifaceted background and a desire to innovate at the intersection of these fields. Originating from Oakland, California, Bogo was influenced by a community of self-starting artists who blended various artistic mediums to create unique brands and aesthetics.
His brand, TOMBOGO™, serves as an experiential learning platform, allowing him to explore and merge diverse design elements. This approach fosters continuous growth and encourages dialogue about function, form, and impact in contemporary fashion. Bogo’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in his collaborations, such as the partnership with cycora®, where he reimagined purposeful design using innovative, non-extractive materials.
By intertwining fashion with technology, Bogo not only honors his personal and cultural heritage but also positions TOMBOGO™ at the forefront of a dynamic and evolving design landscape.
PocketCam: A Modern Nod to Retro Photography
The PocketCam is a compact, everyday-carry camera that invites users to capture moments through a lens reminiscent of classic film cameras. Its design and functionality cater to those who appreciate the tactile experience of analog photography, offering custom filters and mini-games that enhance its nostalgic appeal. This product aligns with the broader fashion trend of revisiting early 2000s technology, as people express a yearning for the simplicity and authenticity of past devices.
Pocket Flash Light: Enhancing Photography with a Retro Twist
Complementing the PocketCam, the Pocket Flash Light is designed to provide dynamic low-light photography capabilities. Its vintage-inspired design evokes memories of traditional camera flashes, appealing to those who fondly recall the era of film photography. This accessory not only enhances the photographic experience but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to blending modern technology with nostalgic aesthetics.
Memory Vessel SD Card: Merging Functionality with Nostalgic Design
The Memory Vessel SD Card serves as a practical storage solution, ensuring users can capture and storetheir photographic memories with ease. Its design pays homage to earlier digital storage devices, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to merging functionality with nostalgic elements.
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‘Bag’ Table Light: Illuminating with a Retro Flair
The Bag Light is a practical accessory designed to provide illumination in low-light conditions. Its design draws inspiration from vintage flashlight aesthetics, appealing to consumers’ affection for retro technology. This product exemplifies TOMBOGO™’s ability to fuse everyday functionality with nostalgic design elements, catering to the growing consumer interest in retro tech.
LED Scouter Glasses
In 2021, TOMBOGO™ collaborated with Colombian singer J Balvin to reintroduce the LED Scouter Glasses, a product originally launched in 2019.
This collaboration expanded the glasses’ color range to include green, blue, orange, yellow, black, and clear options. Each pair features durable lenses, adjustable sizing, and LED lights on both sides, enhancing their futuristic appeal. The temples are engraved with co-branding, underscoring the partnership’s authenticity. Priced at $120 USD, the glasses debuted on November 19, 2021, available through TOMBOGO’s and J Balvin’s official online platforms. Notably, J Balvin purchased all remaining stock, highlighting the product’s exclusivity and demand.
Tech Nostalgia in Fashion: A Cultural Reflection
The resurgence of products like the PocketCam and its accessories reflects a broader cultural trend where consumers seek connections to a pre-digital, analog past. This yearning for nostalgia is evident in the fashion industry’s embrace of Y2K aesthetics and retro technology. Brands collaborating with companies like Fujifilm and Polaroid to release analog cameras and tech-inspired accessories highlight this collective sentiment. Such products offer a tactile, authentic experience that digital devices often lack, providing a sense of comfort and continuity in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
TOMBOGO™’s integration of these products into its lineup exemplifies a keen understanding of consumer desires for both functionality and emotional connection to the past. By offering items that blend modern technology with retro design, the brand not only meets practical needs but also taps into a collective nostalgia, reinforcing the enduring appeal of tech-infused fashion.
