University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa sophomore Lawrence Linton has secured a vendor spot at Riot Fest 2026 in Chicago—a national rock festival—less than a year after launching his own clothing line, Low Life Streetwear Company.
This achievement marks a career pivot for the 22-year-old Army veteran, who originally moved to Hawaiʻi last summer to pursue marine biology.
“There were many times when I was in my biology and chemistry lectures where I just didn’t get it,” Linton recalled. “My heart wasn’t into it. Whenever my mind would wander… I’d be thinking about design. I’d be thinking about my business.”
Linton formally switched his focus to the Fashion Design and Merchandising program within the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience. His entrepreneurial drive began after he struggled to find clothing that felt authentic to his identity. Dissatisfied with corporate brands, he started designing his own streetwear during his time at community college before arriving in Hawaiʻi.
Linton’s family roots also played a significant role in designing his clothing line, as his father was a graphic designer who screen-printed clothes throughout Linton’s childhood.
Low Life Streetwear Company focuses on graphic tees, hoodies and general streetwear.
