T-shirt haberdasher Johnny Cupcakes readies for store opening on Martha’s Vineyard

By Chris Reidy, Globe Staff

Johnny Cupcakes, a chain known for high-end T-shirts coveted by trendy hepcats and fashion-forward women, said it is poised to open a “faux bakery” --- chain lingo for a T-shirt boutique --- on Martha’s Vineyard Saturday.

According to the chain, its couture focuses on “graphic T-shirts that playfully address pop culture with a culinary twist.”

To mark the opening of the new store in the Vineyard community of Oak Bluffs, the chain said it is launching “a whole new line of custom T-shirts that integrates Martha’s Vineyard culture and landmarks into the context of Johnny Cupcakes’ culinary themes.”

The chain has made forays to the island before. According to a company press release, the chain operated “weeklong pop-up stores” on the Vineyard in 2010 and 2011.

That experience convinced brand owner and founder, Johnny Earle, that “Oak Bluffs would make a perfect location to celebrate the heritage of the brand,” the release said.