We have a little creative gem here in the form of Bungo Clothing. BC's site launched yesterday so be sure to check them out here. We chatted with co-founder Adam Bodini this week to find out a little more about the brains behind Bungo.
Bungo Clothing is a premium student clothing platform, run by two Nottingham University students, Adam Bodini and James Free. The pairing work closely with other student brands to help build a stronger student fashion market. The name “Bungo” comes from the name of Adam's childhood toy monkey, who’s still going strong to this day.
Founded in November of 2012, all of BC's own branded clothing is designed by different students from around the U.K, all with their own unique styles and characteristics that define them. BC also has ties with the Birmingham and Plymouth universities.
Through working with Bungo, students are able to promote their artwork and it gives the brand the opportunity to provide highly unique, quality clothing. A very clever idea indeed and a useful exchange of knowledge. Bungo Clothing currently supports four student designers who all earn commission for their work with the brand. One of the site's brands, Pour Les Garcons, is a Nottingham start up.
Adam tells me how it all began...
"[In the beginning] We started a practice run of clothes to get to know the industry and to ensure we provided high quality clothes. We then took some time to build our new website and new collection, whilst working towards being a student clothing platform, which brings us to now!"
Bungo print all of their clothes digitally on high quality American Apparel T-shirts to ensure the highest quality possible. The AmApp tees are my personal favourite on the merchandising market. At the moment BC are just working on t-shirts but definitely have plans to enter into different styles, and are very keen to move in to female tailored clothing. Look out for crop-tops in the future ladies.
"We like to have different designers all with their own unique styles. Building ourselves as a stage for UK student brands to perform, whilst loving the opportunity to do so."
The fuel and drive behind Bungo is knowing the potential it has
and the responses they receive from friends, customers and even strangers. Their best moment working on the company has been when they get asked where their tee is from, and it is one of their own. A feeling that can send tingles down your spine.
"We truly believe we can build an area to elevate student designers, somewhere along the lines of ASOS, helping to promote and boost student enterprises and brands. I would definitely say we are distinct, driven, vibrant, artistic and collaborative."
Bungo has taken the ideas of students around the country and has turned them into a viable product. Creating something tangible and something the designers are proud of. BC run limited stock so be quick and pick up a future fashion statement on the site now.
Bungo is always on the lookout for more student designers, so if you feel you could join the team, get in contact HERE.
apparelreview@london.com