Aug 2, 2013

Check My Flow





Power Francers GalleryPoetry is one of my favourite pastimes, so when Check My Flow contacted me, I was intrigued to see what they were all about. Incorporating a passion for writing and the delights of poetry, CMF have created a new brand showcasing creative excellence. The concept of the brand taps into the constant desire to express creativity, and the need to share likes and passions with those around us. By wearing a Check My Flow garment, you will be able to combine your creative passion with urban fashion.

The fleece interior of the hoody I received is delightfully soft and the bright red colour doesn't fade in the wash. Regardless of the actual item, the bold logo is the main interest for their pieces. The wording on mine reads "Person of Exceptional Talent," creating the very clever acronym of POET. Printed in a bright white contrast, it draws your attention to the story behind the phrase. Other slogans across the site read "Creative Excellence," and "Live. Love. Write," a quote I can personally identify with.

Check My Flow is a poetic brand that is all about showcasing talent in style. CMF identified that we all have a creative gift or special ability which we want to show to our friends, family and peers. Being poets and creative individuals themselves, they decided to create a brand allowing others the opportunity to put their creativity on full display.


The brand also practises what they preach, attending regular events and really getting themselves involved with the writing industry. The brand lends their support to various platforms across the writing spectrum including rappers, poets, MC's, writers, schools and live music events. Adding to this they support a number of independent companies including Watch Them Fall Down films, Souled Records and Black Rainbow Poetry.

This U.K based company also ships globally, and offers a wide range of garments. Their products express artistic designs that you can relate to, embrace and connect with. The founder and MD, Anthony Lyrics, is an established poet himself, so who better to manage the company alongside the talent of poet/Creative Director, Christina Ferreira and well travelled Brand Ambassador, Veronica Di Martino. The team have together coined an apparel line with a message behind it, a rare find in a sea of slapdash companies looking to make quick cash. The company continues to grow, creating new garments, attending more events and establishing more contacts within the creative writing world. Wear your CMF garments with pride and know that you are supporting an amazing, under-rated, U.K culture.

As a thank you to its customers, every order from Check My Flow will receive a digital copy of the Check my Flow poetry eBook. So not only do you get a creative piece of clothing, you also receive a collection of poetry.

Follow the links below for all CMF's social outlets:


Jul 4, 2013

Del Boy Fashion


We first noticed Brian Lichtenberg's collection on Cara Delevingne in April, showing off her "Bucci" tee whilst Rihanna opted for a "Homies" crew. At the time we thought it was a quirky one off brand that we liked, but couldn't afford. However, since then B.L has been on every celebrities Instagram and twitter feed across the globe. Other brands are cottoning on to what we call 'Del Boy Fashion' and selling similar ideas at realistic prices.

Del Boy Fashion, know on the street as 'Parody Brands' ethos is; ripping off well known brand logos and giving them an urban twist. It's a rip off, but it's mange tout, mange tout. We can all remember our fakes from our early teen years, poor Chanel would have been turning in her grave, but this is a new breed of fake, and it's in.

Below are our hot picks of Del Boy fashion from across independent brands worldwide. Links to buy beneath photo's, we do the groundwork so you don't have to.

Nice


Rob The Rich


Benzo Kenzo Tee





Image of Navy Kanye West Meets Versace Crewneck

Image of Black Kanye West Meets Versace Shirt

YSL BLACK TANK



Be Priv Paris T-shirts The YLS White


Your two lover - yevest lauren-ysl




GUNS VUITTON



Jun 28, 2013

Festival Tees from Not One Of Many


July sees the kick off of the UK festival scene. You've stocked up on beer and found your Ray-bans  but now as a male you are aware that your choice of  T-shirts are key. You want to stand out and avoid being seen in the same clobber as anyone else. Not One of Many has a vast range of ideas to dress your chest for the entire weekend.

 We have put together a selection of tees to compliment the best festivals appropriately. Stick with us and soon enough you will be as popular as the headliners. 








All of the items shown here are available from the Not One of Many shop. Be sure to tweet us your festival photo’s rocking your NOOM merchandise, the best ones will be posted here at the end of the summer

Music to accompany today's post from long lost band The Libertines performing at Reading festival in 2008.


Jun 26, 2013

Have we reviewed you?

I find myself continually finding new brands that believe print-screening their name in a fancy font on 5 different colour t-shirts is a collection. This is not a niche in my books. Understandably all brands will have a tee like this, but to have an entire store full of them is dull and shows that you are just out to make a quick buck. At the beginning of blogging on Apparel Review I was enticed by some brands with bog standard stock images and fancy fonts, now I feel I can spot a waste of time from a mile off. Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of finding, wearing and chatting to some very talented labels. Brands that make me passionate and want to blow my hard earned cash straight away. If you feel you are one of those brands, or that you have been over-looked by Apparel Review please contact us, we love to here from talented, independent UK companies and take pleasure in getting to know you and your brand.


We Are Abnormal



"I need this Frank Sinatra crew in my life!"- Yasmin

Abnormal are a British fashion label with a difference. Started by two brothers who were fed up of seeing people wearing the same clothes as them. Once you start to delve into the depths of their site, it is a breath of fresh air to find a collection where I find myself loving almost every item. This is not another lets-emblazon-our-brand-on-a-tie-dye-t-shirt kind of brand. This is a make-people-think-whilst-they-look-the-business company. 

Everything the brand produces is limited edition, and individually numbered, meaning that every single piece is unique. Something the brand are very proud of and it’s what, they believe, gives them something more to offer than other brands on the market. It's also something we believe which is why we have featured them on the blog.

“We view our clothes not as a necessity, but as a piece of art and an abstraction of personality.”

We Are Abnormal have been designing for many years now and had the idea and concept of Abnormal at University. The brand has been up and running for almost 12 months now, but their best moment was back when their first retail outlet was stocked and they received an email from the shop saying they had sold 3 tops within an hour. A feeling I'm sure any designer can relate to. 

The whole brand ethos is about being unique, different and not conforming to normality. And that they are, the designs are sharp and unlike many I have seen out on the market they ooze substance. WAA are encouraging people to be themselves and thus being abnormal, something we at Apparel Review are huge supporters of.

“We describe ourselves as unique, different, edgy and eccentric.”

Jake, one of the brothers, admits that music motivates them when working on a new project. Music is on in the studio 24/7 and they can’t design or live without it. But they are sure to make us aware that art and design in general are the inspiration to the team. Whatever they are listening to I would love to get my hands on! Designs such as the 'think outside the box' tee (see below) show real creative flair, with a clever kick in such a simple way.


The next step for this up and coming brand is to have a full range of menswear and hopefully a women’s range soon. If you take a look at their website you can find many different styles and concepts to choose from. What a little find thanks to my co-work writing for on-line fashion retailer Not One Of Many.

To finish off here’s a little insider secret, the company was nearly called peculiar hen! We think We Are Abnormal is much more fitting!




Jun 24, 2013

We are back!

Well it's been a long month for us here! Unfortunately we have neglected the site due to some big projects coming our way. But fear not, we are back in the game and ready to bring you the latest apparel news and reviews. The June review is ready for publishing and this month we have found you some real gems. We will also be launching a sister blog for female high fashion, so stay with us over the next few days to keep informed.

I have had the pleasure of getting to chat to the team at Not One of Many. A brand new on-line outlet for independent UK apparel. There are some familiar faces on the site (District Roots and Third World,) and some brand new ones (Scarlett Black and Etrala.) Exploring everything from tees and beanies, to 60's inspired dresses and luxury leather. The site caters to a wide range of clientèle, from glamour girls to indie gents. The team support the UK fashion scene and I like to think of the store as an ASOS for new talent. You will be seeing some of my writing on the site very soon!

Alongside that, the last two weeks have been spent shooting in Finland for a childrens apparel range. Check out the beautiful model Leopald in one of the brands polo's (below.) This kid has got serious style!
Leopold modelling Uh-O!

We are still on the look out for bloggers for contributions to Apparel Review and our new blog AR High Fashion. So please contact us if you have any interest in joining us.



May 22, 2013

Ditch The Fitch

Ditch the Fitch

A different approach to #fitchthehomeless
Please watch the video before reading the article




 
This video has gone viral in the past week, reaching over 7 million views. The reactions are a mixture of inspired and insulted. I try not to get political when it comes to clothing and refuse to post bad reviews on my blog. In this case I feel very strongly about the message behind this somewhat tainted campaign. The idea is there, the thought process is correct, however the clientele is inappropriate. We are all aware of the point Greg Karber is trying to make, albeit in the wrong way.

This video, unfortunately, implies homeless people are the only one's desperate enough to wear Abercrombie and Fitch. This is unfair and although I agree with what Greg is trying to prove, I don't agree how he is implementing his ideas. To hear the people of Skid Row's reaction to the video read this wonderful article from Rachel Karman.

The A&F boss had no shame in being openly prejudice against his definition of 'ugly' back in 2006. Now he states:

"We are completely opposed to any discrimination, bullying, derogatory characterizations or other anti-social behaviour based on race, gender, body type or other individual characteristics." 

This is supposed to be an apology. Yet there are still no sizes over a large for females on his shelves. Refusing to make XL and XXL for women is more than just distasteful, it is prejudice. Whether he acknowledges it himself or not. It goes against human rights, for the equality of both males and females. Abercrombie produces XL and XXL for males. So why should women be discriminated against, what fashion crime did they commit?


The only crime occurring here is Mike Jeffries blatant disregard for the general public. In the UK a size 16 (US size 12) is the national female average, and the brand is now going to remove any size above a UK 14 (US size 10.) This is the majority of the spending nation that Jeffries wishes to over-look for his ideal clientele. I am not an Abercrombie Model and neither is the majority of the worlds population. 

Abercrombie & Fitch has shocked its customers, investors, retailers, and just about anybody else who is paying attention to their provocative marketing campaigns. Campaigns that include questionably young models showing off the brands latest styles, in ways that many find to be sexually explicit and exploitative. Throughout his 17 years as the leader of the Abercrombie brand, Jeffries has acknowledged the company’s intention to sexualize its marketing, and adamantly denies that there is anything inappropriate about it.

There are much better ways to show your dislike for the aforementioned brand than to force it upon the unsuspecting homeless. I suggest a new campaign, mentioned by many already in the form of . Rather than giving it to the people that A&F don't want to wear it. Don't buy the products. Bin what you already own. Get it known globally what a sham of a human being the C.E.O is in a different way. A way that would actually affect him wear it hurts, his pocket. If everyone in the world stopped buying the brand, we wouldn't have to deal with his negative opinions or be made to feel like a minority. 

Boy-cot the label and ditch the Fitch. 

If you really feel the urge to have something to express your dislike for the company get yourself an anti A&F tee/sticker, brought to my attention today by Scott Dovey
via twitter.

If that hasn't infuriated you enough here are some actual quotes from Mike Jeffries. None of these have been embellished, believe it or not.

“Candidly, we go after the cool kids... A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong,”

"Are we exclusionary? Absolutely."

 
"We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. "

“We hire good-looking people in our stores. Because good-looking people attract other good-looking people, and we want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don't market to anyone other than that.”


"[Abercrombie] would rather burn their faulty clothing than donate to charity. Poor people wearing the clothes is bad for our image" - A&F Spokesperson.

I would personally never wear Abercrombie and Fitch, the designs are bland and egotistical with little substance. On a trip to Milan last year my friend and I went into the store and walked straight back out. The models were rude, the store un-inviting and the clothing mediocre at best. There is nothing "aspirational (to quote the C.E.O)" about the brand.

I would like to see some of the good they have done for the fashion world and perhaps my opinion can be changed. Until then I am firmly against this companies beliefs and suggest we all #DitchTheFitch


apparelreview@london.com
 
 





 


May 20, 2013

There is nothing like a Dame

 

Having applied this week for an internship with ELLE magazine, applicants were asked to describe who would be their dream designer to interview. It didn't take me long to choose Dame Vivienne Westwood.

It would be more than a dream, as an aspiring fashion writer, to interview Dame Vivienne Westwood. Everything about her bold prints and trashy colours are inviting to the eye, with explosions of vibrancy in every piece. There is no way you can not fall in love with her work. A British born woman that designs for real individuals, and is as wild as her designs. Sticking two fingers up to conformity, Vivienne’s attitude and views have carved her career.
The Dame seems to be such an extrovert character; I would be very interested to find out more about her entire life and influences that have led her to become the brand she is today. Vivienne is so much more than just a designer, her input is helping to make changes across the globe and shape a future for its people. This is not an occupation to this woman it is a sheer passion. Designs are the way in which Westwood puts forward her opinions and fashion is not just a daily occurrence but a platform.

A UK design heroine, with works even The Queen has acknowledged. This intricate woman would be the biggest feature of any writer’s career, and would complete mine. The Dame is such a vivacious ambassador and creator, with important messages portrayed through her work and a muse to young designers worldwide. I applaud her influence on the UK fashion scene in all of its brave glory. 
Be sure to check out her current 'Chaos' collection, there are some important messages through her work, and very interesting choices for broach details.

Lift The Veil



 
 
Lift the veil are a UK based label with some very intricate pieces. This week I got talking to Anthony, one of the co-founders of LTV, to discuss what's in store for the future of the brand.
 
Lift The Veil Clothing was born from an ambition to combine contemporary urbanwear with unique substance. The brands designs are inspired by some of life's great mysteries, the fractal geometric patterns that are not only found throughout nature, but also allow you to visualise the structure of our universe. LTV is not only a style, but a movement. Offering more intellectually than just hot girls, type and city spaces. (Not that they don't love hot girls.)
 
There are four brains behind Lift The Veil; James, Ant, Dan and Chris. The quartet run the company together and co-founded the business as a team. Dan and James head the design aspect, whilst Ant and Chris run the business. James taught himself graphic design software, and Dan studied graphic design at The University of Southampton.

Although the owners come from a mixture of different career and educational backgrounds, they all shared one belief. That by using their full time employment as start-up capital, they could start a business that epitomises the creativity and ingenuity that still exists in today’s youth.

Coupled with the increasing success of screen printed, graphic design based clothing, the label have noticed an opportunity to combine subject matter they are passionate about, with creative and commercial appeal; an opportunity to stand out as a new and exciting brand. Exciting as they are, the site currently displays a small range of items, but hold your horses because there is more to come. With a summer range on its way, there is no stopping Lift The Veil.
 
LTV have been approached by retailers, and the new range will be featuring in some stand alone stores in the South East. Keeping the independent UK apparel scene alive. The brand are planning to expand the range this summer with different styles of Tees. We also hear that vest tops and snapbacks are in the pipeline.
 
The tees are printed on 100% cotton and boast free UK delivery. Prices range between £35.00 to £50.00, a price worth paying for the sheer detail of the garments. The designs are intense, with a random edge. Anything from astronomy, to an electrical engineer can be found on the same page. Each piece has an in depth description of the thought process behind the design. I pondered the ominous tones of their current line, wandering if we would see some colour for S/S13.
 
"There will be colour in our summer range. We like to keep the washout look on our designs and focus on contrast to give them impact."
 
Lift The Veil would most like to see UK apparel ambassador Tine Tempah wearing their merchandise.
 
"From a style icon perspective we’d love to see Tinie Tempah wearing a LIFT THE VEIL t-shirt. Tinie blends high fashion with an urban edge which is in keeping with our brand values."
 
Like any up and coming brand, the team are very inspired by how far they have come and tell us their best moment working on the apparel range.

"Our highest moment was when our first range was delivered.  We were all so happy with how the product turned out, and it was great to see our hard work portrayed in the quality of the prints.  Also our first sale, and how well we have been received, both by customers and within the industry."
 
These guys are truly into their art and science, have a flick through their twitter pictures to get an idea of their style. The lookbook/blog on the website also makes for an interesting scroll.
 
Overall the brand has so much to offer. If you are looking for more than just type and tie-dye in your wardrobe treat yourself to some #StyleWithSubstance at the store now.
 
The music for today's blog is via A.R.M, a producer LTV support and one of many unsigned and talented UK artists. Lift The Veil are mentioned in the lyrics of their new song Original, with Tree.
 


 
apparelreview@london.com
 
 

 

May 19, 2013

Long Week

Hey all, I've been MIA all week due to working on a children's apparel range with Uh-O!Childrenswear. It will be selling in the UK soon, cant wait for you to see it. Have had a lot of interviews this week, and goodies in the post, so I will be making up for lost time over the next few days.

Keep your eyes peeled...

May 13, 2013

Project A Apparel



Project A Apparel

This week Project A Apparel take our company of the week spot with their #TOKYOTRIBES collection. We joined the Irish based brand to chat about their first drop from the S/S13 line.

The streetwear company began in 2005, when Dualta Jones and his girlfriend/business partner, Francesca Griffin, visited NYC. The lack of UK brands in comparison to New York's selection spurred the couple into to starting their own brand. The name, they believe, is an odd one. In many respects it is named simply because this is their first project, however the name is also the film title of one of Jackie Chan's earlier films.

"We were just blown away with the clothes and atmosphere [In NYC.] On our return I started looking for the brands I had seen in the States, and when I couldn't find them, I decided to start my own."
 
The first release from the collection focuses on the brand's experiences and influences from Japan, taking in imagery from classic anime movies, Bosozuku biker gangs and video games.

They are fuelled by the desire to design and hopefully to be recognised for being good at what they do. I'm most definitely a fan. The influences for their work are the bold colours and clean lines of graffiti mixed with the rough-edged urban feel of street art. Their lifestyles, city and environment help massively in the design of their clothing.
 
There is no way you couldn't fall in love with #TOKYOTRIBES. This collection see's two new guest collaborators, one of them being the world renowned Irish godfather of graffiti, Rask. The second being Dublin artist, Morgan. His Lucky Pussy design is vivid and jumps right off the garments. Whilst the brands first illustrated Oxford shirts are so sharp they have already sold out.

Their first Maneki Neko tee was bought by Axl Rose, when they were touring in Dublin, so PAA's Standards are set high. Dualta would love to see Childish Gambino, Macklemore or Jay-Z rocking the tee's, although the owner is humble in admitting he actually loves it when he see's most people wearing them.
 
Boasting an impressive lookbook of original Japenese themes and some seriously inspired shots, Project A are making a bold statement on the apparel scene. The duo thought shooting their lookbook in Tokyo was one of the best moments for them working on Project A. Getting compliments from the models, videographers, and even people they had never met before.
 
I personally can't wait to get my hands on a piece either. These are real designers, with big idea's and fail-proof designs. What a refreshing and inspiring brand. Take a trip to the far east and get to the store now  - before they are cleaned out.

 
 
Image of #TokyoTribes Patch
 
 
Music for todays blog is courtesy of Daniel Scenery, one of many artists supported by Project A Apparel. Find him on twitter here.




apparelreview@london.com