Marc Ecko (born 29 August 1972) was a student at Rutgers University’s School of Pharmacy when he took a year off from his studies and pursued his dreams as a fashion designer upon the encouragement of his school’s dean. He never looked back and, today, he is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of his own billion-dollar international fashion and lifestyle company, Marc Ecko Enterprises, as well as the founder of Complex magazine. He is as well-known for his status as a formidable fashion designer as for his passion in entrepreneurship, investments, and arts as well as for his philanthropy.
Born Marc Louis Milecofsky, Ecko adopted his alternate name while in college, a time when he dabbled in the arts including graffiti and drawing. But his career started when he was still a teenager when he established a design studio and showroom in his parents’ garage. He created and sold merchandise including shirts with his own designs, customized hip-hop apparel, and airbrushed fingernails for girls.
His entrepreneurial streak served him well when he established ecko UNLTD in 1993. Ecko UNLTD started as a T-shirt company with early clients including Chuck D. and Spike Lee, both of whom helped in bringing wider exposure to his products. Ecko expanded his company into hip-hop and skater styles with the rhinoceros logo.
In the 21st century, ecko UNLTD has grown into a billion-dollar clothing and lifestyle company with stores in several countries. Its full product lines include urban clothes and accessories for children, young men and women, and adults. It also has divisions for video and social games, a magazine for young men, and venture capital funds.
Ecko is considered as the youngest designer to have been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). He has been a member of the CFDA’s Emeritus Board.
Ecko’s philanthropy is also notable for his social activism stance. He has supported protection for the rhinoceros population, provided funding for a Ukrainian orphanage, and established a non-profit organization (Sweat Equity Education), among others.
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