“Thriving and Surviving”

Founded in 1985 by Eddie (Ed) Van and Tyrone (Ty) Johnson, Universal Madness is the first black owned thriving business nationally and premiere street wear company that is a highly respected urban gear brand solidified as a staple of Washington, D.C. Since its’ inception, “Summer Madness”, a breakout project, was the front runner in the urban fashion market.

Universal Madness has been deeply embedded in the urban culture of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (DMV) for over 35 years and has gained considerable notoriety for its’ merchandise quality and cutting-edge fashion design concepts with consumers in mind. The brand stands out amongst the competition due to its unique cultural roots and the continual strides that it takes to merge the history of art, music, and fashion.

In 2014, the history of Madness was curated and became a key component in the Corcoran Gallery of Art, “Pump Me Up” Exhibit; this installation showcased the
relevancy of D.C. culture and the fusion of street art, graffiti artists, and go-go music.

“Madness Lives”, a slogan of sustenance and longevity, is supported heavily by the culture and music of the community. Madness has also been supported by those who have gained celebrity and national notoriety. The brand has styled and worked with artist ranging from the late legendary Chuck Brown (Father of Go-Go), Wale, Sugar Bear and EU, Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Dougie E. Fresh and Nas; and local power houses like Kenny Burns, Tony Lewis Jr. and Anwaa Big G Glover to name a few.

Founders Ed and Ty are community leaders who support businesses and artists that are the power behind the African American wealth movement. Their primary goal is to ensure that the Universal Madness organization has grasped the concept of creating and maintaining wealth and to continue promoting a clothing brand which is an inspiration for up-and-coming urban wear designers.

Customer satisfaction is guaranteed… Come shop with us!