Knew Episeauxd: Where Streetwear Gets Personal
Built from the ground up by a Hammond native with a $15 sewing machine and a vision, Knew Episeauxd is where personal style meets purpose.
Knew Episeauxd has leveled up. What started as a tucked-away shop behind Courtyard Café has moved front and center on the Cate strip—now at 108 N. Cate St.—with more sunlight, more space, and a setup that finally gives owner Kaine Bergeron room to work.
Kaine is a Hammond native, a tailor, and a designer with an eye for pieces that hold character. At Knew Episeauxd, he curates vintage streetwear and sneakers while offering buy, sell, and trade options that keep the inventory fresh—and the fashion accessible. Beyond the racks, he’s creating custom pieces and reworking old clothing into something new. It’s all about giving things another life.
The original shop had its charm, but it wasn’t built for productivity. Now, Kaine’s upstairs office doubles as a creative studio, giving him space to design, sew, and focus. His first sewing machine? A $15 Goodwill find. His training? YouTube tutorials and trial-and-error on thrift store pieces. He’s upgraded his tools since then, but the DIY mindset still drives everything he makes.
Knew Episeauxd is aimed at a crowd often overlooked by traditional downtown boutiques—particularly younger men in the 18–25 age range. For Kaine, that gap was personal. He remembers growing up in Hammond and not seeing stores that reflected his style. He wants this place to do that for someone else.
His introduction to business was through Knew Vintage, a side hustle he ran while earning his marketing degree—selling sneakers online and through social media. After one of his posts caught the attention of Bryan Wong, a conversation turned into an opportunity. The day Kaine finished his last college final, he toured the original space and signed on.
Streetwear, as Kaine puts it, is simple: “You go into a business meeting, that’s one thing, you wear a suit and tie. You go anywhere else you wanna feel comfortable? That’s streetwear. It’s anything, it’s comfortable, it’s to your liking, it’s to your personality.”
Inside the store, you’ll find everything from 2000s throwbacks to rare graphic tees—like a 1993 Twister shirt or a unicorn-and-lightning print from cult brand American Thunder. If you’re unsure about the value of something in your closet, bring it in. Kaine knows his labels, fabrics, and print histories. He’ll tell you what it’s worth—no pressure.
His biggest fashion influences include Demna Gvasalia and Virgil Abloh, whose work still shapes Kaine’s custom designs. A signed portrait of Virgil hangs behind the counter.
Music also plays a key role in the shop’s vibe—rock, hip hop, and the culture around them have long influenced streetwear trends. Kaine says it’s how many people, especially younger audiences, discover their style. “If you see your favorite rapper wearing something, you’re going to want it.”
Above all, Knew Episeauxd is about making fashion feel personal. Kaine wants customers to feel comfortable, confident, and seen in what they wear. He offers styling advice, tailoring help, and an open door for anyone just figuring it out. “We’ll find something that fits you—not just physically, but spiritually and personally,” he says.
This isn’t fast fashion—it’s curated, intentional, and rooted in community. Whether you’re on the hunt for a standout tee, trading in old favorites, or just browsing for inspiration, Knew Episeauxd is here to help you look good and feel good doing it.
