Apr 29, 2013

Serge Denimes

Its Monday, which means it's been a long ass day, and that its time for MIC! MIC is an abbreviation of E4's hit show Made In Chelsea (for those of you living in the dark age.) It is the only "reality" show I actually watch, not for the scandal but for the boys style, Spencer Matthews is duly exempt from this statement.

My particular favourite one to watch is Oliver Proudlock. His style is spot on, and he actually owns his own t-shirt company, Serge DeNimes . Ollie, also know as Pruders, creates exclusive t-shirts, expressing unique cutting edge designs. The loose translation of the brand name means "Denim."

Serge DeNimes started in 2011 during Proudlock's first season of MIC. I wont lie to you, the prices are a little extortionate for screen print cotton tees, but its almost forgivable as the designs are NOICE. Also the price tag means the range stays Chelsea and not Peckham.

The site itself is very interactive and you can easily sit and scroll through the "So Serge" lookbook for hours. I got distracted from posting because I ended up in a daydream from looking through it - click here and you'll understand what I mean.

The clothing is available online and in selected UK high street stores:

Harrods, 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London
Joseph, 74 Sloane Avenue, London
Wolf & Badger, 46 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London
John Anthony, 26-28 The Plaza, Brunel Centre, Swindon, SN1 1LF
Hatters, 11-13 White Lion St, Norwich, Norfolk, NR21QA
Smudge Boutique, 86 Banks Road, West Kirby CH48 0RE
Limited Fashion, The Triangle, 37 Hanging Ditch, Manchester, M4 3TR
The Inherited Shop, 475 Glossop Road, Broomhill, Sheffield
 
I really like the brand and the guys behind it. SDN is a team effort and Ollie has support from Dhiann, Harry, Tom and Chris all whom manage every aspect of the company & site. The brand also has affiliates with charity projects such as Barrier Vasco and produces items for British Heart Foundation events. Fashion and charity- my favourite good deed.

Check out MIC tonight @10pm on E4, and as Pruders would say...
"Live the Dream, Serge DeNimes."

 


Apr 27, 2013

Something for the weekend

Saturday is here at last! Today's something for the weekend is dedicated to the beautiful and simple collection from PStopshop. All over printed unisex tees and vests, with vibrant imagery and a lovely little price tag of £14. I love the Vivienne Westwood tee and this London tower vest. None of their designs are particularly intricate, but the print quality is the dogs bolls and there is no way you aren't getting asked where you bought your tee from.
 
 
Vivienne Westwood British Fashion Designer Printed Unisex Top T-Shirt Tunic L  Big Ben Scenery London Art Design Screen Printed Unisex Men/Women Sleeveless Top Tank Tunic Singlet
 
 
 
We're off out into the sunshine today to put some Wayfarers to the test for a summer special piece. The May review will be out on Wednesday and our May Competition has started (earlier than anticipated NOICE) so please send your entries in to apparelreview@london.com before the 28th of May to feature your writing in our June review.
 
 
 
 
 

Apr 26, 2013

Red Fox Clothing



Interview with established brand Red Fox Clothing

 
Loveless Sweatshirt

Red Fox Clothing
 
 
As much as all you V-neck wearing dolls love a colour pop tee, sometimes it is nice to get back to your alternative roots and hit up a darker side of apparel. I have to be honest and say I am a secret fan of pastel shades, and Red Fox is a step out of my comfort zone,  but their products are great quality and very unique. The designs are dark and Gothic, but immediately catch your attention and the graphic design detail is top notch. The Loveless crew above is my favourite piece on the site and will keep me warm through what I dare to call the 'summer' nights.

The idea for Red Fox Clothing started back when the C.E.O was in high school. Having always been into the hardcore/death metal scene (not everyones cuppa,) the artwork surrounding this genre inspired the designer to take a step back from his traditional style and learn the art of graphic design. One of the first designs that really caught his eye was the cover art for Whitechapel's album 'New Era of Corruption.'
 
"I was just like, I want to draw that for a living! a few months later I was finally able to start working on my dream and now over a year later I'm still at it!"
 
The companies main background in design is self taught, working with freelancers all across the world such as M.starkey and Thrashwolf to name a few. Red Fox is run by a team of three. In the design sector there is the C.E.O, Gordon and Emma. The team  also work with their printers Icon Clothing in Colchester and promotion company Pasini.
 
With such dark and wintery designs I asked the design team if they had any plans to spruce up a brighter collection for Spring/Summer'13
 
"We always muck around with bright colours before we decide what we want, we see so many tie dye companies these days that we mainly stick to monochrome designs purely because its what we're best at, we have plans for a few new coloured pieces but we don't want to end up doing all out colour shirts, we just like to keep it dark and mean looking."
 
RFC make the majority of their apparel to order, so when you pick up an item its exactly meant for you. Red Fox have an opinion not to dis-similar to pretty much all of the brands I have reviewed (although some actually fall into the category.) The opinion that there is a saturated market the clothing industry is currently in, with 'Facebook-famous-kids' and numerous other people starting up brands for fame and fortune, not passion and talent.
 
"We value the fact we're able to design massive pieces and work with some incredible people, rather than just put a font in a text path on a t-shirt, or throw some dye over a shirt."


RFC have hopes to one day break into the high street, but with popularity comes that lovely label of "mainstream." Red Fox want to stick to what they know and stay good at it.

The team have plans for some projects we are unable to disclose, but if they continue to grow you may see them around!
 
One of their biggest influences is a designer called Róbert Borbás, his work is mainly freelance/tattoo art, but he has recently started up his own brand.

 
"He's a really nice dude, I've had the pleasure of talking to him briefly, his work is just incredible, [his art] makes you really think about how much passion and dedication some people have towards what they do, its really quite inspiring!"

With the range of apparel RFC have currently covered we hear they certainly have plans for glasses, flat peaks, limited edition skateboards, and even shoes! The team are just making sure that as they grow they don't force to get to much out of the brand.
 
"Red fox is like my baby, I don't want to push it too hard!"

Seeing their first t-shirt printed, and meeting up with all of the band from Oceano at one of their London shows, have been some of the companies major highlights so far.
 
"After the gig Adam contacted me on facebook! That was just incredible!"
 
 
So if you fancy something a little alt or out of your zone, or perhaps you have an eye for great design and want to show your support for the brand, visit the site and pick up a detailed piece of REAL art right here.
 Rhino T-Shirt
 

Apr 25, 2013

Whilst having a little flurry of the credit card on Etsy.com I found vest company Rock The Way You Live. The products remind me of the tees I pick up at Camden Market. Camden is not always a convenient shopping outlet when living the opposite end of London, or in some readers cases nowhere near at all! Its nice to find something quite similar that can end up at my door. It has your usual naff Bieber and Jack Daniels tees, that you see everywhere. But there are some quite random ones that I have personally never seen in stores (my favourite !)

All vests are unisex, ranging from £9 - £12 + US shipping. Check them out here on Etsy

Forrest Gump Tank Top Tom Hanks Shirt T-Shirt Women & Men Unisex Size S , M , L , XL     The Black Keys Shirt Crop Top Tank Tops T-Shirt Women Sexy SideBoob Size S, M, L




Apr 24, 2013

Truant

Interview with upcoming brand Truant

 

Truant
 
Fresh. Young. Restless. Individual. Truant.



Over the weekend I spoke with Truant's C.E.O regarding the launch of their new line. Everything is going according to plan and Truant hope to have the full site, and products launched at the beginning of May. You'll have to follow them to keep updated on giveaways and promos for the launch, as they are keeping it all hush-hush until the big day.

Truant started due to the Marketing Director wanting the company to be the next big thing. Obviously Truant feel they have some good designs and are building a great brand character to achieve this dream. So far Truant have soft-launched some preview beanies for those wanting to get involved with the brand pre-launch and show support. You can buy yours here. 


"I wear our beanies everywhere - they're so comfy its unreal!"
 

There will only be a couple of tee designs for the Spring/Summer'13 launch but Truant expect to expand very quickly and have some designs in the works at the moment, the brand are currently fine-tuning their snap-back designs with the graphics team and hope to launch vests in the near future as well.
 
"My favourite recurring moment is seeing the designs all the way from an idea on our graphics board to a finished product - its a great feeling of achievement and progress!"
 
Truant are currently working on outfitting a few celebrities at the moment, although Apparel Review can't say too much on that part except that they are doing well in the charts at the moment. Very exciting.
 
"Music is a massive inspiration to all of us! It drives our late nights, early mornings and hard work!"
 
I couldn't agree more. We will be catching up with Truant again for a follow up chat after the brand officially launches next month. Stay tuned...
 
 

For any enquiries please tweet me or email yasminjd@london.com
 
 
 

 
 

Stranded Apparel

Interview with Stranded Apparel

 
Image of BIG ISSUE

Stranded Apparel
 


Stranded Apparel are more than just a t-shirt company. They have affiliation with charities and donate  10% of each total checkout fee to help the homeless. The money raised is shared equally between the two charities; Crisis and Shelter.
 
"I've always had an interest in fashion and to make my own brand is great. The link with a charity allows us and people who don’t necessarily donate to charities to give back in another way. We do as much as we can to highlight issues via social media. In the future it would be great to be able to attend Crisis/Shelter events. A clothing company with a 10% donation allows us to do our bit.  Going out and meeting the homeless, we know what it means for them to receive support from us."
 
The idea behind Stranded Apparel emerged from a college project based on homelessness. My personal favourite tee from the collection is of the big issue vendor, how this tee came about interested me so I pressed the CEO for further information on the design of this piece.
 
"With the project I was working on, I spoke to a Big Issue vendor (Mark) in my city centre and he was more than happy to have his photo taken. The concept for the design itself is to convey how society passes vendors by."


The first collection was all about outlining what the brand is about and what Stranded Apparel represent. S.A felt a small collection that related to their ethos was the best way to launch a brand which is trying to avoid becoming 'just another brand'. Stranded are currently finalising their Spring Collection and it should hit the store very soon.

 

Stranded Apparel have had help from close friends, their models and now people contact them to help out. I spoke to the head designer Jordan about his thoughts on running the design of the company.

 

"It’s great to see people wanting to help expand our brand. It is sometimes hard because you can create a design which you like, that others don't. It’s about finding that middle ground. I’ll often have friends offer comments about the likes/dislikes of the design and then go back to refining it."

With regards to other UK apparel companies, Stranded stick to wearing their own clothing, however can appreciate brands such as Abandon Ship Apparel and Represent Clothing. S.A describe themselves as; different, purposeful, bold, creative, and emerging.

For their first lookbook and video the brand used a group of friends and will be using the same models again for the spring/summer collection.
"It’s a good laugh when we film and when it’s all edited, it’s great to see! We’ve just run a competition on Facebook with the prize being to come and join us this spring! It was a great competition and a chance for others to get involved. We’re looking forward to it!"
 
Stranded Apparel is a brand with a difference, whilst making a difference. Grab your big issue t-shirt for just £10 here
 
 
 

For any enquiries please tweet me or email yasminjd@london.com
 
 

This morning I was followed by Good For Nothing Clothing (@GFNClothing) and had a little peek at their site.
 
Some beautiful tees and vests for boys and girls (plus the male model is pretty hot if you just want a little perve ladies.) A favourite of mine on tee sites is a 'mystery item section' the thrill of not knowing what's going to turn up at your door is exhilarating, and GFN provide this service for men and women.
 
Also we all know what a sucker I am for wooden armed Wayfarers, well low and behold they have them at GFN right here, and in tortoise shell frames no less.
 
The site is averagely priced for the quality of the products and has some beautiful, original designs. Go have a look now!
 

ESCAPE VEST - product images  of ETERNITY - product images  of
 

Apr 22, 2013


Tekkers have decided to move the deadline of their BOGOF tee extravaganza to midnight this Sunday 28th April.
Buy any Tekkers Tee (either short or long sleeve) and get one absolutely free! Simply select your tees of choice, head to the checkout and enter FREETEE in the voucher code field.
 
Visit the site here
 






 
 

Revamp Bristol update

I'm excited to say I received the Charcoal Cross Tee from Revamp Bristol and it is probably one of the best quality tshirts I have had the pleasure to review yet! Perfectly soft fabric and fits like a glove. Perfect length for jeans and washes like a dream.

All tees are still just £8 on the site, grab them now!

Thanks Team RB :)



 
 
I found this little gem via one of my favourite bloggers, Emily Johnston of fashionfoiegras.com  - have a look at these really cute mock designer tees here, from Brian Lichtenberg...


        

 

Apr 17, 2013

Diced?

Interview with upcoming brand Diced?

 

Diced?
 
 
Diced? are fast approaching their official UK launch next month, so what better time to get to know the team. We caught up with C.E.O Asif over the weekend to find out a little more about the brand-spanking-new Diced? from the founder himself.
 
Diced? started this year due to a feeling that there has been a lack of passion on the current apparel scene. Controversially admitting they had noticed some unsavoury reasons behind new brands.
 
"It was apparent to me. A lot of small clothing lines seem to do it quickly and cheaply, either to make a quick buck or for the sake of being able to say "I have a clothing line."

The designers believe they have an eye for what looks good, so therefore decided to learn to use all of the surrounding equipment and programs involved with creating an apparel line, in order to turn an idea into a reality.
The logo came from hours spent on the computer experimenting with different concepts. The question mark is something that is central to the brand - a question.

"I tend to question everything, and I think I’ll be asking people if they’ve been Diced from now on."
 
The price range for tees will start from £19.99 and when Diced? launch they will be only be producing tees in their spring range. However we’ll definitely be seeing sweatshirts and hoodies from the brand in the near future, as well as beanies and snapbacks.

Don't expect to be seeing Diced? in high street shops any time soon, they are all about quality and exclusivity to the buyer. The only place you’ll be able to find Diced? clothing is on the site.
As a popular niche Diced? have informed us that every item will be limited to 50 pieces. Once those 50 pieces have sold out, you won’t be able to get that design again. So if you want something, don't be shy.
 
"I don’t think we'd want the average high street shopper wearing the brand. We want people that genuinely like the brand and people that [want] an exclusive piece to be wearing the garments. I personally don't like to be seen with things that everyone else has got, and I’d like to follow that through with the brand."

"I think I’d say [seeing] JME in one of our tees would be nice. Simply because he’s about exclusivity too. He once said “something good is made better when not everybody has it” and I don’t think I could put it any better. "
 
Asif tells us that on an ordinary day you’d most likely catch the CEO in a pair of Diesel jeans and a plain black tee.
 
"I do like what Fly53 do with their brand. I feel there isn’t too much like what they produce out there so I have a few of their pieces. Other than that, I keep it plain. Or keep it Diced?"
 
There’s nothing too exciting happening for the Diced? launch however there will be some competitions surrounding the anticipated launch date of May 1st. Get involved by following Diced? on Twitter or liking the page on Facebook.

I wait with baited breath to see what Diced? has to offer, and look forward to seeing their 'passion' infused tees.


 

For any enquiries please tweet me or email yasminjd@london.com


 

Apr 15, 2013

Time To Rise

Interview with Time to Rise Clothing (TTRC)


 



TTR Dagger Tee. Currently on SALE.
Time to Rise Clothing
 


 
Time to Rise clothing was set up in the summer of 2012 by two like minded brothers in London. With its sell-out beanies and unique tee prints, TTRC is a contender on the indie clothing scene. The brand has bold, clean, recognizable quality. Time To Rise is built around the message of 'Stand up for what you believe in!' Apparel with meaning - shipped worldwide.

"The name of Time To Rise Clothing was very fitting of the line as people could also attach there own meaning to the brand, which was a goal from the start."
 
Time to Rise have big ideas for the products they want for future releases to build their line. They are looking to add crewneck jumpers, snapbacks, windbreakers and sunglasses to make the line bigger and more varied as they move forward as a brand. You are all aware I am a fan of companies introducing crews to their lines, after all England doesn't always provide the best weather conditions to rock a vest. The brothers have plans to continue to build up the line of beanies and extend TTRC's accessories with different headwear such as snapbacks and 5 panels. I look forward to seeing their sunglasses hit the online store.
 
"We definitely want to release a much wider range of products than just tees and build our brand to reach a wider product audience. We have just dropped a new vest in our store and crewneck jumpers are high on our list to add to our line this year for sure. Our aim is to build TTRC to have a varied collection of products from hoodies to accessories as we are definitely in it for the long hall."
 
The TTRC team bring together sets of skills in art and graphic design with a more business approach to the brand. The line started from the ground up by designing and professionally screen printing its first tees, and putting all the money made off them back into the business - which the company continues to do today.
 
"We have always had a massive interest in fashion and independent clothing so we thought we would make our own brand. From the start we really wanted to create a brand that people could identify with and attach their own meaning to. " 
 

The CEO's are big fans of the brand 'Honour Over Glory'
and you can feel this influence throughout their line. The products themselves are professionally screen printed on the popular Gildan soft cotton tees, Designed by Time to Rise Clothing and quality controlled before packing.

"Honour over Glory, who along with a few other indie brands really got us interested in independent clothing. We have always aimed to create bold, clean and recognizable designs and pride ourselves as a brand in having quality products with a real message. We are willing to put a lot of time and effort into the brand and also improve along the way"


Time to rise don’t have a specific celebrity that they would like to see wear their clothing but are hugely influenced by the music scene and would like to see bands wearing their apparel. The company is aiming to endorse bands, artists and extreme sports athletes to join their family in the future. For more info on how to be endorsed email timetoriseclothing@gmail.com with all of your details.

There is a lot to come from TTRC and as a new brand it has come so far already. Branding with a message, real muses, CEO's that care and beautiful clothing.

"We especially love seeing our customers wearing our clothing and have had an amazing response from people so far."
 
So what are you waiting for? Its Time to Rise! Visit the site here.
 
 

For any enquiries please tweet me or email yasminjd@london.com