Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts

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:


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.


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
 
 

May 9, 2013

Seven Star Apparel



I featured Seven Star on the blog a while back in my April Review. At the time it wasn't about their clothing for me, but about what the brand was/is doing - making waves on the UK music scene. After the review I was lucky enough to have Nathan, one of the five faces behind the brand, contact me to have a chat about where the brand is heading in the future.

"There isn't a fancy story behind how the brand name came about, but its a journey in my life that was a hobby and now I want to take it to the next step."


My blog may be solely based on the independent UK apparel scene, but I have so much respect for independent artists and producers as well. SStar blissfully combines all these aspects into their company. In my April Review I mentioned the actual clothing being a small factor in what SStar are doing, however from what I hear it looks like the apparel is going to be catching up with the music.

"We've always wanted to get in to street-wear fashion, we love the mixture between art and clothing "

S-Star originally began as just a clothing brand in 2007. Unfortunately the brand wasn't making the sales, so in 2009 the team decided to change the brand to an online YouTube channel. This channel then went on to hit over 3million views and has enabled the team to re-launch the brand with a new professional look and release its first official collection to the public. 
 

"A friend of mine [DJ Jawzy] was in hoodstars at the time and he knew everyone in the grime scene. We turned to media and filming the artists he knew, which then generated money to then put in to better cameras and fund the snapbacks you see today." 


The collection is quite small, with snapbacks being their niche. The snapbacks are bold and really well made, with the SStar logo emblazoned across the front and back. The brand are most definitely looking to branch out into the clothing sector, with a crewneck jumper set to be the next step. However this will take time and the brand have promised that they wont settle for cheap merchandise, it's about finding the right place to deliver the quality for the brand. No 'Fruit Of The Loom' here.

Seven Star boasts an array of UK artists, all whom are a combination of friends, colleagues, paying customers and sick talent. Faith SFX, one of Plan B's support acts and ridiculously skilled beat boxer, is currently shooting with Sony in Dubai wearing an SStar snapback. The video will be going viral in the middle-east.
 
SStar also have support from big names such as Harvey from So Solid, Tre Mission, Skyler Grey StreetArt, Stylo G, Little Dee and Mz Bratt to name a few. The brand would love to see more artists supporting them and their ultimate hero wearer would be Pharrel Williams, for the obvious reason that he is a very dapper young gent.

The team don't have a next big step in the music scene as such, but they have goals to reach and collaborate with more artists old and new. 

"If you asked me in 2009 do you think you can get 3.5million views on a YouTube channel I'd have to say NO WAY! If you said do you think someone would pay for a hat that represents S-Star Apparel I'd also have to say No Chance! But believing in your work gets you far, I've still got a lot to do but I have a foundation to work from."

I love what these guys are doing and can't wait to see them blossom into an even bigger brand than they are today. For more information and to keep up to date with the label, visit their site here or check out their video's on youtube.
 
 
apparelreview@london.com
 

 

 

 

May 4, 2013

Something for the weekend


Our number one spot for the May Review went to Claire Maley Sportswear, and she was very happy with the results. Please visit the competition page to win the chance to co-write the next review. Entries are coming in thick and fast, with a prize of £50 to spend on your number 1 apparel company for the month of June. Get writing!

Looking forward to some more interviews this month, along with some one-off pieces a few of us have been working on, and a visit to the Cosmo superblogger event in London.

So here's a little something for the weekend below. Sometimes its nice to give your bank balance a little rest. So I've found the best tees on the online market for £15 or less, some start from £3! Each brand has prices and links beneath. Enjoy...



Prices between £10.00 and  £15.00

 
Prices £15 each

 
 
Prices between £3.00 and £10.00
 
 
 
Prices £10.00 each
 
 
 
Prices £10 each
 
 
 
Prices between £7.99 - £14.99


Glory Clothing
Prices between £9.99 - £14.99
 


 

Prices £8.00 each
 

 
 

Image of PLAYING CARD TEE - WHITE
Prices between £8.00 - £10.00
 
Prices £14.99 each
10% Discount promo code PROMO1

 
 
Prices £12.00 each 
 
 
 
 
yasminjd@london.com

May 1, 2013

May review

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.

If you would like to co-edit the June Review, please visit our competition page to find out how you can be a feature editor.

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

 

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
Image of Infinity Tee
 
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.
 
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.