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As
Owner/CEO of Von Dutch Originals, Tonny Sorensen is a true visionary.
Sorensen’s unique approach to marketing has redefined
the art of product placement for media, celebrities, movies
and magazines. Under Sorensen’s leadership, Von Dutch
Originals has become a leading American fashion label with a
rock-and-roll attitude rooted in “Kustom Kulture.”
After investing in the company in 2000, Sorensen
rapidly grew the business. The company now creates t-shirts,
hats, accessories and more for its lines of men and women’s
products. In addition, Von Dutch Originals has successfully
crossed over into a variety of other product offerings by licensing
the Von Dutch name to a line of children’s wear, footwear,
a jewelry line, a “kustom” motorcycle company, and
even a die-cast miniatures toy line.
Sorensen’s goal is to make Von Dutch Originals
the premiere lifestyle brand, so more licensing opportunities
are a certainty in the near future. Sorensen stresses authenticity
to the Kustom Kulture tradition. This high-octane lifestyle
embodies a gritty creativity, hip nostalgia and a reverence
for the road. Kustom Kulture is an artistic celebration and
exploration of America’s car and motorcycle underground
that was popularized in 1950s-60s.
The Danish-born Sorensen truly exemplifies the
lifestyle that he has created at Von Dutch Originals. A Tae
Kwon Do World Champion and action sports aficionado, Sorensen
is just as comfortable on a high-powered sport bike or scaling
Mt. Whitney as he is commanding a company board meeting. Sorensen
subsequently owned the GLADSAXE dojo in Denmark, an elite school
that produced several world champions. Upon moving to the United
States in 1992, Sorensen explored his passion for film. He studied
acting, screenwriting and filmmaking, and even co-produced a
movie in 1998.
Sorensen earned a degree in Electronic Engineering
from the University of Copenhagen, and a degree in Business
and Trade from a Copenhagen trade school. He utilizes his engineering
background to guide design, structure and corporate strategy.
Sorensen is also a firm believer in giving back
to the community. He has made charitable donations through Von
Dutch Originals to a number of worthy causes. Toys for Tots,
AIDS Project Los Angeles, Charity Network of New York City,
and GLAAD are just a few charities that Sorensen and Von Dutch
Originals have supported. He is also proud to be overseeing
the design and production of the official Adopt-A-Minefield
t-shirt, a charity sanctioned by the United Nations that works
to eradicate landmines worldwide.
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