Thursday, June 17, 2010


So this is the brief I wrote for my range...



BE inspired by those who put their rep on the line for the sake of their performance. Stand up to those who dont share your creativity. Dress like a renegade. Be revolutionary. Show the world your commitment to the cause. Dont play it safe. TRUE GENIUS REQUIRES INSANITY.


Welcome to Thug Nation, where everyone is King.


This range can see no boundaries. Stimulation is infinite. Nothing is out of the question. Inspired by the performance costumes of those in the hip hop and electronica fraternities, the range is a response to the idea of festival fashion, a concept that shows how music fans dress a little more outrageously when surrounded by their peers. We should be motivated to stand out by those that already do. These music genres allow fans to express their distaste for conformity through a distinct lack of rules.


The six piece Chain Gang Starr range from Thug Nation redefines the rules, then breaks them. Design lines are inspired by Cazal sunglasses, fixed gear bikes and aero spoke wheels. Silhouettes are inspired by vintage Polo jackets, harem style pants and jumpsuits. Fabrics are inspired by embossed upholstery, African tribal prints, synthetics and vintage denim. Embellishments are inspired by Ethiopian neck rings, DIY ghetto bling and guns.


The range is designed for those that have a very clear vision of their own street style. While engineered for the festival circuit, the pieces can take the wearer from the street to the gig to the after party and everywhere in between. Those who wear Thug Nation dont need to prove their street cred,, it is obvious in their knowledge of urban street culture. They research, collect, swap and hunt for items that are hard to find but easy to distinguish as cool. Their complete look is purposeful but never contrived. Evrything is there for a reason and it all fits together.


Reflect this philosophy. Dont compromise your own street style. Never negotiate your reputation.




























So Im thinking about inspiration and I think I will look at hip hop styles from the early nineties... I like the shapes and silhouettes of the pants and jackets, crazy wide happy pants and oversized Polo jackets. I want my range to be strictly street, laced with ghetto bling and luxe accessories. At the moment Im focusing on inspirational artists, so Im thinking The Cool Kids for their colour schemes, Peaches for her outrageous silhouettes Hollywood Holt for his accessorising and Ebony Bones for her mashing of colours and shapes into her own unique style...



Ok so I think Ive come up with a concept...Festival Fashion. I love the way music inspires people to dress, especially at festivals and gigs. The artists' creativity always inspires fans to be a little more outrageous and I think that will be the direction I will head in for my range...One off pieces that are influenced by music genres and performers, to encourage, inspire and create courageous gig outfits.
So third year, hey?
Wow.
A six piece range, hey?
Wow.
I dont even know where to start.
But I know it will be massive.
Massive silhouettes. Massive colours. Massive prints. Massive.
Ill come up with a concept, a design brief and some inspirational images and Ill get back to you.