Another month has passed since our last top 5 review and May is set to be a good month of sunshine with two bank holidays to look forward to. So what better time to find out who is worthy of being worn when you are out to play. This month it has been really difficult to pick a top 5, reviewing & interviews have been in full swing, and we have come into contact with to SO many sick brands.
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Moving swiftly on... here are the top 5 companies for May.
1st Place - Claire Maley Sportswear
I'm afraid gents that this month's number one spot is purely for the ladies. I don't normally dabble in female fashion, however this month I had to make an exception for this vivid collection from Claire Maley. I haven't seen anything similar on the high street, or online - which, to me, is a key factor in making a brand stand out.
I have completely fallen in love with all of the beautiful designs and the story behind the fashion. Every piece is digitally printed in the UK, designed and hand crafted by the designer Claire Maley. Claire, of Milton Keynes, studied Fashion at Coventry University, graduating in 2011. Adding to her talents Clare has been commended by The Royal Society of Arts for digital print designs and is supported by the Princes Trust. All of the pieces in the store are designed by her personally.
The leggings in particular are a must have for any girls closet, perfect with a long dark tee, or to dress up an LBD. The prices range from £30-£90 but you cant put a price on something that is this central to your wardrobe. Not only does the range supply superb evening wear, the majority of clothing is originally designed to be worn as sportswear. The sport industry hasn't seen a range this vibrant since Mr Motivator left our screens. Its high fashion Asics for the 21st century, and I absolutely adore it. Apparel that can take you from the gym to the street .
The collection is luminous. Your poor credit card is going take a sheer battering, especially when I tell you that CM has its own custom page, where they can print almost anything on to leggings, skirts, dresses, shorts and tees. Claire works with you personally to get the right placement so you get exactly what you want. For custom pieces visit the group here.
This brand isn't for the feint hearted, "Dress it up or wear it down, our prints will always make you stand out." She's got that right!
2nd Place - Abandon Ship Apparel
A little under my radar, I was introduced to East Glasgow brand Abandon Ship from Beat About Music's head of talent Lewis Young. I have actually discovered Abandon Ship is not such an underground brand after all. Many artists, designers and apparel companies I have spoke with this month have all admitted to having Abandon Ship Clothing in their wardrobe. Abandon ship sell everything from shirts and tees to dresses and snapbacks. The line isn't huge, which is good, because big is daunting. Lets be fair if you want a mass produced product, you're just going to hit up truffleshuffle for run of the mill merch. The designs are on point, the garment quality is first class, and nothing on the site is going to break the bank. The store has massively grown from its launch and is now a big, big contender on the UK apparel scene. Its far too indie and edgy for the V-neck, fake tan boys and that's exactly what we like.
The tees come in all sizes from extra small to extra large and are designed to be worn quite baggy, so if you want a tight fit go for a size smaller than you are. The clothing is available in numerous stores across the country and from the online store.
Abandon Ship's gear is hot, and if they say so themselves - "Fucking Awesome Clothing." Grab some clobber right now.
3rd Place - Oh Boy Attire
These guys have made the grade for the sheer uniqueness of their designs. With Japanese influences being a predominant factor in the production of the line, the logo's are a far cry from the norm. OBA's work is diverse and in your face - in a good way. The crews are bespoke and you are able to choose a range of colours in which to have your personalised crew printed. If you are someone that wants to be noticed, get yourself a lollipop brigade crew and there is no way you wont be.
This is my 'One To Watch' this month. Read our full interview with OBA here
This is my 'One To Watch' this month. Read our full interview with OBA here
4th Place - PStopshop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PStopshop
This Etsy store has made it into my top 5 because I am slowly becoming very partial to a full cover, printed vest. The summer is looming after all. Also men need to start showing their arms far more often, preferably covered in tattoos. Anyway, the beautiful and simple collection from PStopshop has some bold designs and a lovely little price tag of just £14. None of their designs are particularly intricate, but as I have said before the print quality is the dogs bolls and there is no way you aren't getting asked where you bought your tee from.
It is by no means in the same league as some companies out there, in comparison to this month's number 1 spot this company is hardly making waves in the apparel industry. But now and then you have to throw caution to the wind and go with a little unknown brand to get yourself some attention.
Seriously check them out, you can thank me later.
4th Place - Revamp Bristol
I had to include Revamp Bristol in the May Review as their tees have been the subject of many conversations this month - all recommending the brand highly to friends, colleagues and the apparel industry. Revamp surprised me with their small collection based in Bristol. The t-shirt designs are very simple, but the fit and quality of the tees are second to none. I have been living in my Charcoal Cross tee since I purchased it at the beginning of the month. Did I mention they are only £8 each? You're going to pay that in Primark, so you may as well put your money into something decent. I cannot wait to see what's coming with the next collection.
For full information on Revamp read our interview with the C.E.O, Fran, right here.
For full information on Revamp read our interview with the C.E.O, Fran, right here.
So that concludes the top 5 May Review, if you want to feature your store on the blog contact us, or if you are a blogger/writer wanting to join us on next months review visit the competition page.
