Little Earth Productions, Inc.
Little Earth Productions Inc.
Summary
Little Earth Productions Inc. (formerly Littlearth Productions Inc.) is an American apparel and accessories company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1993 by Ava DeMarco (Chief Executive Officer) and Rob Brandegee (President), the company designs and manufactures licensed fashion accessories and apparel, particularly for professional and collegiate sports teams.[1]
Little Earth is known for its early use of recycled materials in product design and for pioneering fashion-forward merchandise for sports fans, especially women.
History
Founding and Early Years (1993–late 1990s)
Little Earth Productions was founded in 1993 as a home-based business in Pittsburgh. In its earliest years, the company operated on a hands-on basis, with its founders personally designing and constructing products from reclaimed and unconventional materials.
Early materials included:
- Inner tubes
- Bottle caps
- Seat belts and rubber materials
- Vintage metal license plates
The company’s first products were distinctive fashion accessories that combined industrial materials with expressive design. Among the most recognizable early items were:
- Bottle cap belts, constructed from reclaimed bottle caps and flexible backing materials
- License plate purses, handcrafted from real metal plates and often embellished with decorative elements such as Swarovski crystals
These products transformed discarded materials into durable, visually distinctive accessories and positioned the company as an early participant in what would later be described as upcycled fashion.
Expansion and Entry into Sports Licensing (late 1990s–2000s)
As the company grew, Little Earth began developing products incorporating sports team branding. This marked a transition into the sports licensing industry, where the company identified an underserved market of fans seeking more fashion-forward merchandise.
Rather than adapting traditional sports products, Little Earth focused on designing items tailored to a broader and more style-conscious audience. This strategy contributed to its expansion into licensed goods across:
The company’s growth and approach to product design have been referenced in entrepreneurial and business interviews discussing niche market development and brand positioning.
The Terrible Towel and Pittsburgh Legacy (2010s–present)
In 2013, Little Earth assumed responsibility for the manufacturing and distribution of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Terrible Towel, one of the most recognizable symbols in professional sports. The transition was part of an effort to bring production of the iconic item back to a Pittsburgh-based company, reinforcing its connection to the city. Originally created in 1975 by broadcaster Myron Cope, the Terrible Towel has become a widely recognized symbol of Steelers fandom and has generated significant charitable contributions.
Products
Little Earth produces a wide range of licensed and original products, including:
- Handbags and purses
- Apparel and accessories
- Scarves and headwear
- Pet products
- Novelty and lifestyle items
Its catalog spans major sports leagues and universities across the United States.
References
- ↑ "Littlearth Sports Fan Apparel, Bags, Accessories, and Pet Gear". Little Earth Productions. Retrieved 2026-05-03.
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