Love it or hate it, Graffiti is here to stay. Whether you consider it an art form, a form of expression, a colourful and interesting design or quite simply a criminal defacement of public property; it has been around for a long time and will most likely stay for a long time to come.

The reason that this subject has come to my attention is that recently having wandered around my usual retail haunts I have noticed a large number of brands, designers and stores producing ranges of clothing, including T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and even trousers incorporating an element of graffiti like “art” and I couldn’t help but wonder; is graffiti now fashion? Could it now have reached a point where eclectic images of colour, letters and extreme messages are now considered to be something worthy of wearing and being proud of?

Graffiti itself is nothing new, it has actually been around since the ancient times of the Romans, Greeks and most famously the Egyptians. The use of paint and ink upon walls and doors to depict acts, wars, images, people and religious icons is the most famous use, which shockingly is considered to be graffiti! According to the internet however, the first modern use of graffiti in which the creator was not acting on behalf of a higher power or organisation in society are the advertisements for prostitutes and brothels in ancient Roman towns and buildings where a certain image and symbol would notify anyone looking for that particular venue that they are close by! (well I never).

Today we perceive graffiti as the hip hop style messages and signatures that are sprayed pretty much on anything standing still in urban built up areas. Starting in the 1920’s in the USA, they began as political messages, eventually with the introduction of youth and gang cultures, people began to affirm their identities as a member of a group or as an individual with giant colourful signatures, all completely different to one another. If anything it is has become a rivalry between those people and from a brief look at any wall that has been sprayed on, you can see that there is a distinct number of designs belonging to a select number of people that probably live in the local area or call it their own.

Moving on from that people have over the years experimented with producing artistic imagery by using the traditional tools of the trade such as spray paint cans. Most famous in recent times is the “artist” known as Banksy, to this day the identity of this person has yet to be revealed, yet his influence in the UK alone has inspired a movement of copycats, art culture and not surprisingly the fashion undustry. You can now even buy a t-shirt or hoody with a Banksy design upon it (the funny bit about it being that as Banksy doesn’t technically exist as he/she won’t reveal themselves then there are no laws preventing anyone from reproducing the designs, go figure. Bet someone is kicking themselves from the loss of all those royalties).

But to stay on topic, it’s plainly clear that Graffiti itself has now jumped from the walls, trains and pavements to the clothes on our back; and that I believe is called progress. How many other aspects of our lives can boast that? Something so criticised, so taboo, so technically illegal has actually now been embraced by the fashion world so that anyone can show their independent identity and appreciation for artistic impression. However, has anyone stopped to notice that in doing so, making this rebellious and individual expressionism into a fashion statement is pretty much making a mockery of graffiti itself? If everyone smoked, would children cease to do so because it was no longer rebellious or “cool”? Time will only tell I guess, but for the moment it seems that Graffiti, love it or hate it, is spreading, whether we like or not.

Tee Boy

This week’s nomination is an ode to all that is 80’s and retro and especially to the wonder that is the invention of the rubix cube! You will see what I mean when you see the t-shirt in all its glory.

It’s creator, Stussy have been around for 25 years producing colourful, graffiti fuelled edgy clothing that have been worn and loved the world over.

Beginning with one man, a surfboard shaper in Laguna Beach - California that simply decided to emblaze t-shirts with his own personal signature surname in literally his own handwriting, and there you have it; a trend was born. Personally I’m not sure my name ‘Collins’ would be quite as effective printed on hoodies and t-shirts(!), I think not.

Spanning some of the 70’s and 80’s the brand picked up on the crazes of both eras (including Rap, Punk and surf) and continued to do so into the 90’s and here in the new millennium. Picking up new ideas and trends in other countries such as Japan and Europe, their designs are still as relevant and provocative as they have always been.

As for today’s little number, nothing spectacular or never been done before but I just love its colours and, the drawn on look about it and the retro feel. It really does stand out and could quite easily be a true wardrobe keeper to be worn for years to come.

Check them out!

Tee Boy

On a random spur of the moment clubbing session on the weekend (much to my regret the following day)it was a good chance to see what was being worn at night by the guys and girls in the bars, clubs and in deed the streets (trust me, I was walking home at 5am, the streets were full), to entice would be lovers, set trends or just to show off a label or two.

A T-shirt that did catch my eye and pretty much the majority of the patrons of the bar we were currently drinking in was something known as a T-Qualiser t-shirt, you’ve all seen them (Perry famously wore one in Kevin and Perry: Having it Large). A funky music activated lightshow feature of the t-shirt that was very trendy in the Balearic islands of Ibiza and Lanzerote in the late 90’s, bright coloured neon designs that light up the design, whether it be a sound equaliser of bars moving up and down to the beat of the music or a giant face lighting up green, they really are a sight to be seen if you are in a dark club/bar drinking (or in my case rather inebriated and fascinated by flashing lights and colours!).

Despite being perhaps slightly retro and maybe in the wrong place, the wearer was loving the attention and had a number of blondes taking an interest so good for him on the novelty front.

I’ve done some research and the t-shirts are actually quite a feet of ingenuity, a little pack of batteries is worn on the inside of the t-shirt and powers the main light panel with a wire (perhaps a little uncomfortable who knows), the panel then uses ultrathin Electroluminescent technology along with sound activation to make this simple yet effective feature come to life.

The t-shirts as it happens can be purchased everywhere! A lot of gadget websites sell them so do a bit of searching and for around £20.00 you too can own one. Who knows perhaps the trend is returning and the popular guy on Saturday was in fact a trend setter!

Tee Boy

London Fashion week is coming to and end, having had a look at what some of the designers have put out there this season it was obvious that a number of radical and unconventional ideas and designs had been given the spotlight.

One item which caught my attention on the BBC News website is the (in some people’s opinion) crazy notion of how work wear can be (GASP), fashionable.

One case in point is the old reliable fleece. The staple garment that has been in most people’s wardrobes for nearly 30 years, a cosy fluffy mostly boring and practical garment that over the years hasn’t really been given much thought or inspiration. The design is pretty much the same, fluffy, thick, usually quite boxy and unflattering, in standard sensible colours with plastic zips. To date no one has really tried to jazz these babies up. But for how long will this remain true?

Having been around for over 30 years, created in the late seventies for sale to lovers of outdoor sports such as climbing. The microfibre garment was specially designed to draw moisture away from the skin of the wearer, meaning that during rainy weather you would still feel relatively dry and of course warm underneath your clothes. According to some of the experts in attendance at some of the shows one day the fleece could well follow in the footsteps of jeans, a one time work only garment that with a few tweaks and upgrades in the fifties, became one of the most worn garments in today’s fashion world.

Surprisingly there was a time during the eighties and nineties when the scruffier look was trendy and the only acceptable gear during the years of techno and acid house clubs and venues. Put together with scruffy jeans and trainers it become quite a well known sight on some of our big city club scenes.

However, with the disappearance of such scenes and clubs/pubs and hotspots now having a more reserved and smart appearance (lets face it, there aren’t that many places now that don’t have a dress code!), meaning that the traditional fleece, apart from the odd occasion where a celebrity was scene out and about wearing one for convenience sake and suddenly girls everywhere are dressing down for a few weeks; was relegated to again becoming an item of disregard in the fashion world.

Who knows, perhaps some edgy urban designer will take pity on this poor defenceless garment and give it the chance to become something more.

Check out the full article to read some of the varied views of designers and fashionista’s alike during London Fashion Week.

This week’s nomination isn’t some fantastic out of this world, ultra chic, trendy design, it’s not unique, it’s not even that colourful or interesting. It’s one of those ever wonderful  “I Love…” t-shirts. Yes yawn but hear me out.

The design is flawless, simple and cheap to produce, can be tailored for anyone or anything, this one in particular simply outlines a love of something very close to my heart, nope not the website but my dog. Yes my dog’s name is Google, and as bonkers as that is, it suits him perfectly and no, I have no shame in calling him in the park. I have to admit though, I won’t be contemplating purchasing or wearing one of these, the neighbours may mock.

Despite it being quite a geeky design, this motif has been around for a very long time. Pretty much every major city has a shop in it that will sell a t-shirt or item of clothing that states that the wearer loves either the locality or something related to it. Be it the person’s significant other, a celebrity, even a television program, this design is probably one of the most popular and well known throughout the globe.

Originating with the I heart NY logo that was produced by a graphic designer in 1977, New York to promote tourism in New York State in the USA, the logo has over the years been repeatedly copied, altered to include city names, people and all sorts of weird and wonderful ideas and icons. It has gone worldwide and been translated into numerous languages, President Bush famously wore one whilst visiting the middle east proclaiming in the language that he loved the country, risky move but hey ho.

All in all a timeless design that has managed to capture the world’s heart (get it!).

Tee Boy

Flicking through some old photos recently reminiscing  about times past (oh dear I sound old) and I came across a photograph of me in attendance at a very happening house party wearing a T-shirt with a very well known Monkey design on the front.

What I didn’t realise then in my early teens was how trendy that t-shirt could well be now! It was in fact an early product of Paul Frank, a world famous brand of t-shirts, accessories and a pungent for the unconventional and off-the cuff random items, that I’d picked up during a visit to London with my school, I took a liking to the bold and straight forward smiling monkey motif and it had fast become a regular part of my social attire. What I’m amazed at is that it really didn’t occur to me that that t-shirt hanging in my wardrobe that I had stupidly passed on to a friend after I grew out of it, was in fact a piece of fashion history.

In 1995, a little known newsstand employee from California whom first began creating wallets from scrap vinyl in the shape of lettering and quirky unconventional outlines, Paul Frank Sunich became an extremely popular accessories designer, and after partnering with Ryan Heuser a friend with a keen sense of finance and business an empire of watches, socks, wallets, bags (and even bikes) and house wear was born.

Now, in 2009 he has a fantastic website that is accessed and bought from worldwide and is known throughout the planet for creating simple bold and fun designs that have appealed to teens and young adults everywhere.

Over time, trademark characters have appeared alongside the regular designs, the monkey is now known as Julius and with him are a whole range of silly, sweet and sometimes rather strange animals and people that can be found emblazoned on t-shirts and pyjama trousers in bright colours and fabrics.

Paul Frank Industries has now also diversified into eye wear, creating bright and fun spectacles and sunglasses for those searching for something a little bit different to wear. Flagship stores have now been established throughout the globe including London, Milan, New York and in the Far East, not forgetting its roots the original store still exists in California.

I’m now on the hunt for the same t-shirt I owned over a decade ago, perhaps in a larger size however, fingers crossed I can re-own a little bit of my own history.

Tee Boy

Not much of a weekend in the way of scouting for the next big thing on the fashion scene, spent most of it running around after the dog on the beach, good to see the sunshine back.

Noticed that the winter gear had been shedded and in some cases even shorts flip flops and t-shirts were being sported in a rebellious affront to the cold winds that managed to get through the warm rays. Bright coloured t-shirts are staying by the look of things with garments getting more neon and in-your-face than ever before. Surf and street wear are the key looks for the seasons to come and already the high street stores are stocking up on beachwear, swim wear and general spring and summer boardies, t-shirts and footwear in the vain hope of a nice UK summer this in 2009.

I myself bought a rather amusing brightly coloured green Nintendo t-shirt last week, a wicked one colour print on the front encompassing the famous logo with the phrase Rehabilitation clinic underneath. Love it, great t-shirt with a fun not too complicated design that I’m sure to wear time and again, great find!

Gearing up to proudly witness my own Mum abseil down a 140foot building next week in aid of the St Annes Hospice that helps those dealing with cancer and their families. Don’t know about her but I’m nervous as hell! I will of course be designing her a funky yet tasteful (she is my Mum after all!) t-shirt to wear on the day, just in case anyone wonders who she is and why she is up there and for her to remember the event with pride. Go Mum!

Sat in the hairdressers on Saturday flicking through the obligatory magazines, you know the ones! Been there for months so all the celebrities are now seeing someone else, wearing something else and the music recommendations are so last month. In between the hair styles, celebrity pads and cars I came across a a great shout out for a very happening Surf gear site for those youngsters amongst us. Grommies has a small collection of tasteful yet fresh designed hooded sweatshirts and surf gear, including the ever popular sheep skin boots for the boys and girls that love to run around and well, be all surfer-dude like. It seems us adults aren’t the only ones to take a pride in our fashion tastes. Wasn’t like that in my day! I loved my Thomas the Tank Engine sweater and matching pants I won’t lie to you!

Tee Boy

London Fashion Week began today, and not only were there flamboyant looks, decadent designs and sublime samples, but a tiny little shocker of a change in proceedings. The British Fashion Council announced today that the venue for the world famous event will be (GASP) relocating.

The event, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and happens twice every year in February and September; will be relocated from its current home at the Natural History Museum to Somerset House, usually associated with outdoor cinema in the summer and ice skating in the winter months.

The British Fashion Council has also released its new website, detailing all of its current projects and contributions towards new voices in the world’s fashion industry.

This season’s London Fashion Week will take place until Wednesday 25^th February 2009, it will incorporate over 50 womenswear shows, a new showcase of menswear and more than 150 ready to wear and accessories exhibitions, a must see for any fashion lover or would be designer. Definitely worth a trip to London in my opinion.

This year there will also be a section of the event tailored towards eco-friendly, organic and fair trade designers, labels and manufacturers. In this time of global warming and other worrying concerns, it’s good to know that the fashion industry is also being seen to do its bit.

More than 5,000 visitors including newspaper reporters, magazine journalists and of course would-be shoppers and buyers are expected to be in attendance.

The event itself is estimated to be worth over 20 million pounds per season to the London economy in relation to spending and the amount of PR and marketing that it receives throughout the world via media coverage and advertising. Surprisingly this vastly out does any sporting event or news items. See fashion really does rule!

Tee Boy

Whom amongst us music lovers didn’t watch The Brits last night?

It was truly amazing and quite a proud moment to see so many of our…yes OUR talented British musicians triumph over our usually more successful American counterparts.

Aside from that however I couldn’t hep but notice the vast difference between those that dressed well for the event (The Girls), and those that quite simply didn’t (The Boys). As a fashion conscious male myself I take great pride in the fashionable trends undertaken by my fellow guys in our fair country but alas, not so much last night.

Let’s look at the ladies. First up was Kylie, countless costume changes and style in wild abandon. Every single item a tribute not only to an amazing artist but to a global style icon. Girls aloud, winners of Best Single performed and accepted their award graciously dressed in sexy understated champagne chiffon and silk numbers with their personalities screaming out with their individual hair styles and various lengths of dress!

Lady Gaga (my new favourite artist at the moment), known notoriously as a risky dressed at the best of times, usually found in something bordering on explicit, appeared on stage with The Pet Shop Boys and looked nothing if not stunning and disco pop.

Now to the boys, where to begin. Let’s just say that we’re glad Gok Wan didn’t let us down, he arrived to present an award wearing his signature black suit and edgy shoes and accessories. Kylie’s co-host Matthew Horne of Gavin and Stacey fame appeared on stage looking like he had just fallen out of the set of Hi di Hi, and even remarked himself that he resembled Jamie Callum, an insult I’m sure that Jamie perhaps wouldn’t appreciate. Although it has to be said, seeing Smithy and Gavin on stage performing a comic version of Kylie’s number “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” was worth seeing both the guys stuffed into red spandex (I will leave that to your imagination!).

Alan Carr appeared on stage to announce an award in nothing less than exactly how he put it “a science teacher on his lunch break”! Clad in a tweed mock leather suit jacket complete with ill fitting trousers.

Next up, Brandon Flowers, lead singer of The Killers appeared wearing his signature suit jacket with eagle feathers on the shoulder pads…perhaps he couldn’t find anything to wear? Leave it on the video set Brandon.

The Pet Shop Boys finished off the show with a marathon of their best known hits from the last 25 years with guest vocals from Lady Gaga and the aforementioned Brandon Flowers; wearing nothing if not their signature disco pop avant-garde ensembles of huge hats, overstated sunglasses and wacky mock fur, spandex coats.

All in all a fantastic show, but perhaps a few lapses in the wardrobe department on the part of the men. Come on lads, we have style and taste too!

Tee Boy

Hi! and welcome to our blog. As you can see we’ve recently re-launched our website and added a few extras just to keep it interesting, including a fabulous and informative blog (obviously), which hopefully we’ll be updating every day with news, ideas and hopefully not too many pointless ramblings!

Well, unless you are a complete hermit, don’t watch TV or have left the planet, as you will no doubt know, it’s Christmas!! Countdown stands at 10 days, so I’m racking my brain and stressing out trying desperately to get the perfect gifts for my friends and family, which in this time of the dreaded Credit Crunch/Recession(GULP!) is all the more terrifying when you make that brave journey into the unknown (also known as the High Street) we at Reinspire.co.uk have been pleasantly surprised to learn that a few of you have decided to go a little further this year and actually have something made for your loved ones, mainly in the form of something to wear! In the last few weeks we’re produced a few t-shirts and hoodies with various puns and well wishing slogan’s along with some pretty embarrassing photographs! This novel approach is a sweet and personal touch that let’s face it, as embarrassing or “naff” as it could be, is a great gesture and it is pretty nice to know that someone made the effort, that you have a one of a kind present that no one else has

(oh and that you have an extra t-shirt to add to your wardrobe to wear around the house that no one else will ever see on those days when the laundry is being done and there’s nout much left to wear!) unless of course the gift giver has particularly gone to some lengths to make your t-shirt something fun, funky and wearable in public!

I have seen some amazing designs cropping up recently on t-shirts, whilst searching for presents of course (no harm in looking for things for yourselves now is there?!). A new range recently hyped at Republic aptly named “Money”, nice, simple and fun range of t’s with a metallic and edgy finish on them, some literally with MONEY written across the front in various funky fonts and colours…whether they’re trying to be ironic or perhaps referring to the price of the garments is anyone’s guess but according to the site, a number of celebs seem to have cottoned on to the label and are loving it…and it occurred to me, that pretty much anyone with an idea could potentially have the next trendy label on their hands…Criminal, G Star, Superdry.. they all started somewhere and now look at them…so come on guys, get designing and let us know if Reinspire.co.uk can be of any help!?! Hint hint!