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.
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.
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.
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