A quintessential Lowcountry brand that captures fashion, beauty, nature, and hometown pride began its journey in an apartment on Rutledge Avenue back in 2007. Today, Brackish is booming in popularity here at home, across the country, and even donned by celebrities on the Red Carpets, in photo shoots, and on national TV — take a look for yourself.
The idea for this company was sparked after co-founder Ben Ross crafted turkey feather bow ties for his groomsmen. Enter one of those groomsmen and co-founder, Jeff Plotner, who joined his friend in turning the gift into a booming business.
Keep reading for a peek at what’s next for the brand.
We saw the women’s collection launch in 2019; what’s next for the brand?
Jeff: From the very beginning, we’ve been laser-focused on our mission to create a best-in-class brand known for our superior craftsmanship and our artistic lens of repurposing and reimagining the beauty found in nature. That will never change. But, we are growing. In 2025, we’re taking a really big step in our evolution as a brand and entering into several completely new categories. I don’t want to give too much away just yet (women’s belts coming by the end of this year), but I can confidently say our customers are going to love what we’ve got in the works at the start of the new year.
Ben: I’m glad I’m going second on this one, or I’d be giving too much away. It’s my personality to share it all. I’ll give you another little peek behind the curtain since you mentioned our exceptional women’s collection… we’re adding new belts in some really great silhouettes this fall, specifically for women.
What does it mean to you when you see celebrities wearing your brand?
Jeff: Honestly, humbled + flattered. It gives me goosebumps every time I see a customer wearing a piece we’ve created right here in Charleston out in the wild. Celebrities are really a cherry on top of the hometown pride I have. I will admit a bucket list celebrity I’d love to see wearing Brackish: Matthew McConaughey. We just released our new collegiate collection and we did a show-stopping Texas burnt orange and white bow tie inspired by The University of Texas, Austin, and I know no bigger fan than him. Anyone got a connection?
Ben: I don’t think that I’ll ever get used to or be complacent about it or feel it’s just normal; every time it’s awesome. Honestly, I get butterflies when I see anyone wearing one of our pieces anywhere. I make a concerted effort to try to go up and introduce myself and thank them personally for their support. But yes, I would love to give Mr. McConaughey a handshake; that would be amazing.
Anything else you want to share about the brand?
Jeff: I know I just mentioned our collegiate collection this year is all about Texas, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we also have Clemson-inspired and Gamecock-inspired pieces available too. You can shop our expanded collection of gameday pieces.
Ben: At Brackish, we put our heart and soul into what we do; every single detail has been poured over. We still make all of our feather pieces right here in Charleston, and I don’t think that we could have replicated our story anywhere else because of the incredibly talented artisans who make up our team. They are our secret sauce.
For fun, what are some of your favorite Charleston spots to shop + eat?
Jeff: I have three young boys, so getting out doesn’t happen as frequently as we used to. But when my wife and I have a date night, we’re trying to get a last-minute table at Lowland or stand in line for Chubby Fish. Both chefs of the spots, Jason Stanhope and James London, have worn Brackish for big milestones in their careers, which is a testament to their commitment to keeping it local in and out of the kitchen.
Ben: Favorite spots around Charleston to eat: Everywhere. But if I’m picking we’re headed to Hanks, Fig, Halls, or Glass Onion.
