In Emotional Message, Out Designer Andrew Christian Announces Final Collection, Company Closure

In an emotional message, the out founder of the clothing company that shares his name announced that Andrew Christian will be shutting down following the release of "Bespoke," his final collection, this fall.

WeHo Online reported that "the largest gay apparel company in the world has announced they will be closing at the end of 2025. The brand was founded in 1997 by the designer himself."

"I began this journey with the wounds of my childhood still fresh," Christian wrote to the label's customers, the writeup shared. The designer went on to say that "growing up gay in Fresno's Section 8 housing meant learning to endure racial and anti-gay slurs, like 'beaner' and 'faggot,' before I knew how to properly thread a needle."

"Fashion wasn't just an aspiration; it was survival. It became my sanctuary, my declaration of gay existence. Each stitch was a heartbeat; each garment, not just a part of my story, but my coming out."

"For over a quarter of a century, I have poured my soul into this craft," Christian continued, "building not just clothes, but sacred havens where my LGBTQ family could feel seen, valued, and beautiful."

Now he's threading that needle one last time before laying aside his shears.

"My final words as a designer won't be spoken aloud, but sewn into Bespoke," Christian advised in a tweet.

Gay Twitter unleashed a flood of sentiment at the news.

For gay customers, Christian's label has been iconic – and, like the name of his upcoming final collection, bespoke.

"The brands under the AC umbrella include the registered trademarks of 'Trophy Boy' – and 'Big Fat Dick' for hung guys, 'THICK' – for the bigger guys, 'VIBE' – sportswear, 'FUKR' – fetish wear, 'Almost Naked' – which offered men a hang-free pouch, 'SHOW-IT'- frontal enhancement," WeHo Online listed. "In WeHo, many dancers are often seen or required to wear Andrew Christian products."

The outlet noted that Christian's "business has been affected by the closures of some of their largest customers and gay-driven apparel stores throughout the nation who have shuttered their doors."

Christian's letter appeared on the brand's website, with Christian explaining that the moment marks his "retirement," and that bringing his brand to an end is "the hardest thread I have ever had to cut."

"Now, I step away from the runway, carrying with me all the beauty and wisdom this journey has given me," Christian's letter added. "What began as stitches of survival has blossomed into a legacy of love–and as I fold away the fabrics of this career, my spirit remains committed to creating mirrors where the unseen can finally recognize their own beauty."

The designer had special words of wisdom for queer youth in his farewell letter.

"To the young queer dreamers clutching sketchbooks in the corners of rooms not built for you – I see you," Christian wrote. "Your hands may tremble now, but they will one day shape worlds. The very difference that makes you feel alone today will become your greatest strength – your signature on everything you create."

"Trust your instinct, even when the path feels impossible," the designer counseled. "Take the terror and hope we all carry in our youth, and stitch them into something breathtaking."