DEA BLOG

Inspired by the unique and flavorful South Florida art scene, photographer and graphic artist Jose Antonio “Tony” Firpi founded Devious Elements Apparel (DEA) in 2015. Influenced by the works of David LaChapelle, Annie Leibovitz, and his own relative Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tony permeates his designs with the vibrant colors, urban grit, and spirited beach vibe of Miami. DEA has quickly expanded to include multiple clothing lines drawing on pop culture, and is now collaborating with up-and-coming artists to showcase the best artistry on a new canvas—clothing.

Founder

Tony Firpi was born in Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Hialeah, a suburb of Miami, Florida, at the age of five. His work ranges from fashion photography to magazine layout and design. Local culture fuels his creativity, so you’ll often see him relaxing near the beach with laptop in hand, creating the next DEA showstopper.