New's Flash....more on Murphy..

Four Star Distribution’s only child just got a baby brother.

The San Clemente-based owner of skateboarding clothing brand C1rca has joined forces with Murphy Martines, designer of the menswear line Copy.

A model wears one of Murphy Martines’ designs for his line, Copy, which is joining with San Clemente-based Four Star Distribution, owner of skate clothing brand C1rca.

TEXT BY BRITTANY LEVINE., PHOTO COURTESY OF MURPHY MARTINES

This is the first time Four Star has partnered with another company since selling its snow-focused brands to Vermont-based Burton Snowboards in 2005, said Arely Benavides, Four Star’s senior vice president. Four Star is constantly looking to grow its brand portfolio and found a right fit in Copy because the two companies mesh well, she said.

Martines used to have to direct both the business and creative sides of the Copy line, which can be found at stores such as Urban Outfitters and American Rag. But the new venture has taken a load off his back, he said. Now the 32-year-old can focus completely on making clothes and leave business matters to Four Star.

In addition, Copy has moved its headquarters from Ladera Ranch to Four Star’s San Clemente office.

“Whenever we partner with people, we want them to have a vision. Murphy has a real sense of where he wants the brand to go,” Benavides said, adding that Four Star plans to make a substantial investment in Copy.

Martines started as a freelancer for Four Star and was being courted for the company’s culture squad, a group that helps stake out fashion trends. But the more company leaders saw his work, the more they liked it.

“We knew we had to take it to the next level,” Benavides said.

Martines, who has a background in industrial design, said he plans to create new shoe, outerwear and denim lines this season. He also plans to design a new collection every month, much like large-scale fashion titans.

“My goal is to become a global fashion brand, eventually opening up my own retail store,” he said.