In the Beginning

The Robe Republic is an idea—a place beyond space and time, where familiarities keep their fragrance and hardships lose their sting. 

I am a former Green Beret. Try as I may to redefine myself, that moniker will remain with me my entire life. In the near-decade since leaving the military, I've sat in cubicles, on subways, and stared into mirrors, wondering where that version of me had gone.

The uniform that once gave structure and clarity was gone, but the identity remained—in the stillness of the evening, memory replayed its echoes.

I decided to create a robe that would allow me to sit with my military accomplishments in the privacy of my own home. I made up my mind to make a robe for myself, and in doing so, I found healing in the creative process. Then I wondered... if this robe was healing for me, maybe it could be healing for others as well?

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A Reconnection

That first robe took inspiration from a cadet-issue garment I once received at West Point—purplish, scratchy, absurd… and somehow cherished. It was humble and imperfect, yet deeply loved. 

My first robe had a fanciful feel—velour, shiny, almost regal. But as I stitched, my mind wandered back: to deployments and training exercises, the sound of reveille, the faded notes of taps, freezing tents, busted feet, and sleepless nights in rain-soaked foxholes.

I thought about the color of those memories. Unlike the polished pageantry of dress uniforms, these were threaded through the mundane, the unremarkable, and the human—shared hardship, a warm cup of coffee, a clean shower, the relief of escaping the rain.

These memories weren’t proud or pompous. They were quiet. Subtle. Private.

And so the robe evolved. The design faded to a humble and hearty olive drab, 100% cotton, adorned with the U.S. insignia, and a new idea took shape—a robe for the average soldier.

Unpretentious. Unassuming. Yet packed with pride and potential.

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A Playful Myth

From that thread, the idea grew—not just into a product, but into a creative journey.

The Robe Republic started as a playful name, then became more than that—an idea, a place. Not one found on a map, but one that lives in the imaginal realm—in memory, in art, in poetry, and in the quiet moments we carry home.

It is governed by timeless principles: commitment to excellence, sincerity, and personal expression. It whispers in your ear when you hear a familiar song or feel the warmth of a friend's laughter. Those feelings, memories, and friendships are the fabric of The Robe Republic. 

And its Chief Magistrate, the elusive General Deja Vu, reminds us of where we've been—so we can understand where we're going.

Sic Parvis Magna — Greatness from small beginnings.

Just as the mighty oak is held within the acorn, so too do we hope you reach the heights of your own expression and becoming. 

Our robes are our personal expressions for you—with the hope that our work, or our story, helps breathe life into your dreams. If we can do that, then perhaps—in time—we too may grow into something greater than we ever imagined.

With pride and gratitude,

Mark Kroger
on behalf of General Deja Vu & The Robe Republic Team