The ReformedSchool Story
Founded in 2013 by Chicago-based creative entrepreneur Peter Gaona, ReformedSchool is a lifestyle brand specializing in handmade wearable art that beautifully blends fashion, education, and social awareness. With a deep commitment to celebrating Black history and culture, ReformedSchool was built on the idea that what we wear can be a powerful medium for storytelling.
From the Stage to the Studio
The seeds for ReformedSchool were planted during Peter’s transition from a career as a professional dancer and arts educator. With a natural passion for creativity, his journey into design began as a project in an Entrepreneurship class at Columbia College Chicago. He started by up-cycling grocery totes out of old t-shirts that he no longer wore but still held sentimental value.
The brand truly took shape, however, out of a personal style conundrum. Peter wanted a denim bow tie but couldn't find one at any local retailers. Unafraid to experiment, he decided to cut up a pair of his own old jeans that no longer fit to fashion a tie himself. Whenever he wore it, people asked where they could get one—and the signature ReformedSchool bow tie was born.
In 2021, Peter expanded his entrepreneurial footprint by opening the brand's first physical storefront. This milestone was achieved as part of the L1 Creative Business Accelerator, an initiative by the University of Chicago’s Arts + Public Life designed to support and elevate local entrepreneurs.
Fashion as a Conversation Starter
Today, ReformedSchool has evolved far beyond its original denim bow ties. Our product line has expanded to include enamel pins, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, stickers, mugs, magnets, and pillows.
Yet, as our offerings have grown, our core mission has only become more focused: to merge creativity, culture, and community, using fashion and everyday accessories as educational tools and conversation starters.