Adam Minihan talks to James Cleaton about his company, Paradigm Clothing!

I had the privilege to talk with James this summer about his role he is playing in the new evangelization. A role that is much needed and lacking in the world today. A role in fashion and clothing. Adam talks with James about how he started his company, how he comes up with new clothing designs, and his role in the Catholic clothing world. We also give the listener a chance to win free Paradigm clothes! Post on Paradigm’s Facebook page your favorite design, and we may just ship it to you!

Paradigm Clothing:

More on Paradigm Clothing:

Paradigm is all about life. It is the pattern we live by and the lens through which we see the world. Some see with a clear and pure lens, and others have a lens that is a little cloudy. Truth in our culture has become distorted. It has become something that is adaptable to each individual, depending on his or her desires and needs. However, the fact is that truth cannot be molded or changed. Truth has been foundational since the beginning of time. Our mission at Paradigm Clothing is to clean the lens that the world looks through – making truth clear and definitive once more.

Our culture is asleep. We desire to awaken culture through truth. We will do that by presenting clothing with a somewhat hidden message. Clothing that uses art and style to subtly convey a deeper meaning. Our world longs for something different, something fulfilling, something worth living for. It longs for the promise that Christ gave: to “have life to the fullest” (John 10:10). In order for this “something different” to happen, there needs to be a paradigm shift in the minds and hearts of our culture. The lens through which we view life needs to undergo a transformation. Paradigm Clothing is not the agent of change that will bring about this transformation, but is a tool that will be used by the agents of change. We as the Church must be the change we want to see in the world. We are agents of change. It is time for a paradigm shift.

“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity…Truth must be the foundation stone, the cement to solidify the entire social edifice.” John Paul II

The triangle or pyramid holds quite a bit of symbolism for a Christian. It stands rooted with two corners on the ground and one pointed directly up. As Christians we live on earth, but our lives should point up to something greater. Through the way we live our lives, we should draw people’s attention up to the heavens. When people see the conviction with which we live, the passion with which we speak, and the love we have in our hearts – their attention should be raised to something greater. When we live as we ought to, people should see God.

 “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”

I Corinthians 10:31

We are a husband and wife team, along with the CEO leadership of our 3 beautiful children Cyrus, Eliana, and Claire. We work this ministry from our own home storing our clothes in our “backyard factory” (aka studio). We just love fashion, love the Lord, and love His Church. So here we are designing clothing, inspiring our culture with truth, and having fun all at the same time.

 It all started with a few questions…

Can clothing be both catholic and stylish? Both retro and innovative? Both expressive and compelling? Should clothing explain itself, or need to be explained? Shouldn’t we be wearing clothing that inspires thought and challenges people?

Answering these questions led us to throw down some sketches one evening in our San Diego home. Here, Our first company PARADOX Clothing was born. One year later, we broadened our vision and closed in on our mission and formed PARADIGM clothing.

We strive for cutting-edge designs because we understand style. But, we will not stop at what the eye can see. We hope to pull society from the comfort of idle mediocrity and into a place of thought and growth. Too often we find ourselves caught in the latest trend, in clothing and morality, without taking time to ask why. In order for life to remain meaningful, we must begin to seek.

-James, Grace, Cyrus, Eliana and Claira Cleaton

Who We Are

The Church is being called into the time of “the new evangelization”. Paradigm is most definitely our attempt at this new evangelization through fashion though it is not the exhaustive measures of our ministry. I also am blessed to be able to travel around the nation speaking to teens and young adults at conferences, schools, and retreats. If you want to see or read more about this ministry please follow this link to Jamiecleaton.com