Philly streetwear brand P's & Q's supports public schools with special t-shirt design!

The 2023 "Dress Down Day for Philly Public Schools" t-shirts have some extra flavor. In addition to the classic t-shirt design, you can order a special edition tee, designed by local streetwear mavens Ky and Rick Cao. The brothers own P’s & Q’s, a streetwear brand with a boutique at 8th and South Streets — and they’re also Philadelphia public schools alums.

“I’ve always told people, I’m a product of the Philadelphia school program,” says Ky. “I feel like it’s given me a lot in life, academically and culturally.”

Ky and his brother Rick attended Fanny Jackson Coppin (formerly Andrew Jackson) School in Passyunk Square and then Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA).

“It was a really incredible experience,” says Ky of CAPA. “It’s just like the movies: One floor there was a group of people singing; then you go to the next floor, they’re acting; and then you go to the very top floor, and they’re painting. It’s great to be in one building full of creative people.”

With the tools acquired at CAPA, the Cao brothers went on to create P’s & Q’s.

“I think P’s and Q’s is the best definition of Philadelphia in the sense of it’s always been an underdog city,” says Ky. “A lot of brands we carry here are underdog brands, independent brands that are just trying to make a dream come true — brands that you won’t see in big-box stores. These people are actually telling a story through their garments and not just selling products.”

The store also features the brothers’ own designs and a section for up-and-coming Philly brands. It’s an investment in the city’s growing streetwear scene.

“I’ve always told people, I’m a product of the Philadelphia school program, I feel like it’s given me a lot in life, academically and culturally.” –Ky Cao

That dedication to community — and the Cao’s public-school pride — made this Dress Down Partnership a no-brainer. Ky and Rick were eager to contribute a design and help put money in the pockets of local schools.

“I love the public schools,” says Ky. “I’m a product of it. And my kids are going to be a product of the public school program as well.”