Building on the Legacy: Mancini Jr. Debuts Clothing Line

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – This time last year, Ray Mancini Jr.’s outlook was bleak after being furloughed from his job as a designer for footwear company Sam Edelman. But that misfortune spawned opportunity.

Mancini Jr. saved his unemployment money, picked up some temporary jobs, and got busy on his next move. On March 26, his 25th birthday, the hard-working designer debuted his own athletic-leisurewear clothing brand, Live On The Legacy.

“It’s a full-circle moment,” Mancini says.

The brand’s designs are inspired by Mancini’s father, former WBA lightweight world champion and Youngstown native Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. The younger Mancini sifted through his father’s old boxing robes, trunks and Golden Gloves merchandise to comprise his fashion compilation. 

The athleisure wear, which can only be purchased  through his website, blends 1950s Italian pinstripes with his Los Angeles-based Cuban heritage, giving it a distinct swagger, Mancini Jr. says. 

“I’m trying to take the boxing aesthetic and make it into something that can be worn every day, casual athleisure wear, everyday type of clothes,” he says.

Live On The Legacy is based out of Fashion Solutions NYC in New York City’s Garment District, Mancini says. 

Following his passion for fashion, Mancini Jr. invested $10,000 in his company. He is constantly learning the economics of the field to make his line successful. He builds on his knowledge with every decision on things like who to purchase materials from and what step to take next.

The products on his website range in price from $60 to $100. Mancini Jr. emphasizes his clothes are American made from soft-to-the-touch material.

“My stuff is going to be probably more expensive than just the average merchandise line,” Mancini says. “It’s a fashion-forward line, but it’s quality.” 

His parents have not invested in Live On The Legacy, but Mancini Jr. says, they are supportive of him pursuing his dream. Eventually, Mancini Jr. says he’d like to attract an investor “because I just put so much into it.”

The younger Mancini did a little boxing at a young age. He trained at Bob Dylan’s gym in Santa Monica, Calif., in seventh grade and fought in one amateur bout. His father trained Dylan in the gym.

While boxing is the inspiration for Mancini Jr.’s Live On The Legacy athleisure wear, he developed the clothing while he was resting.

“Boom Boom” Mancini T-shirts and apparel have long been on the market. While the early items catered to a narrow market aimed at fans of the world champion, Mancini Jr. knew he needed to create something with broader appeal.

“It’s paying homage to those who came before you, but creating a responsibility for those who come after you,” Mancini Jr. says.

Pictured: Ray Mancini Jr. launched his own clothing line, Live On The Legacy, on Friday. Image via Tommy Rizzoli, special to The Business Journal.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.