the life

Developed by two guys with a passion for extreme sports, Noctis Threads is a street wear line unlike any other. Owners John Zukie and Andy Higgins have taken an innovative approach in the design of Noctis by creating a lifestyle brand for the masses.

The name Nocits is the Latin meaning of nocturnal, and a reflection of the brand steadily coming together throughout many overnight design sessions Zukie endured during his graveyard shifts at a call center. Thus, the night owl, symbolizing wisdom, respect, and power, seamlessly represents Noctis Threads, making it the logo and strength behind the brand.

The collection is designed with bright colors and unique art that appeals to more than just the hardcore edge of typical street wear and includes men's and women's clothing, as well as premium skate decks.

behind noctis

We're just 2 guys who won't settle for the ordinary in life. Andy is a punk rocker who grew up on the beach in Southern Cali. He found his first love in surfing at age 8 which eventually led him to his other true love in life...music. I myself am a Brooklyn-bred boy who became attached to his first skateboard at the age of 9. I developed a love of clothing being around my grandmother who was an art teacher, and my mother who had a knack for shopping.

In our teens, we caused trouble as separate individuals, not yet knowing what fate would one day bring. Andy surfed, skated and made music, even touring with his punk band across several states in the Southwest. I moved to PA where I became immersed in snowboarding, BMX and long boarding. Eventually we both found ourselves in need of change, and little did we know, we both had Arizona on the brain and college as the perfect train out of town. Andy headed for ASU and I attended Collins, an art school, both based in Tempe.

We both worked odd jobs throughout our schooling. Andy ran his band and I designed for a local clothing line. After college, Andy began teaching 1st grade while I put in my hours on the graveyard shift at a local company managing Adult Websites (yep, definitely an odd job). One boiling desert morning, after I just finished working a graveyard shift, I sat down poolside at 9am to enjoy an ice cold Heineken. At that fateful moment, Andy cam through the back gate with a 12 pack of his own and an excited look on his face. We started chatting it up and eventually came to the conclusion that this just wasn't what we intended for our future.

And thus, our new chapter began. Once we started discussing our true passions and everything was out on the table, our mission quickly became clear. Growing up as riders, we would have killed to have our very own skate/surfing company...and there was nothing that could stop us from doing that now. Here we are 2 years later...living the dream and putting out gear that we truly stand behind. Noctis is our dream, our life and our passion. We feel its a brand that connects with anyone. In our world, you don't need to try to be anyone else, you just need to be you!