FASHIONS FASTEST FIX

Writer: Paul Taylor

There is an age old saying that fashion changes like the weather, one minute a trend or style is in and the next it is more out than George Michael in a public restroom. If indeed fashion does change like the weather and with today’s global warming effect making weather so unpredictable, fashion should be constantly updated rather than just being all about Spring/Summer or Autumn/Winter.

T-SHIRT DESIGN EVOLVES TO THE BEAT OF ITS CONSUMER

Threadless is a t-shirt design company who have succeeded on this need for constant fashion updates. Created back in 2000 by Jake Nickell and Jacob Dehart, the duo have seen Threadless grow from an online only retailer to just last year opening their first store in Chicago. By creating in effect their own version of the reality TV world, Threadless allows designs to be submitted online and voted for by their customers. The winning designs are produced in limited runs for their 15 minutes of fame. Every week new designs are unveiled meaning that unlike other stores and retailers the Threadless stock is constantly changing, being updated and maintaining a fresh appearance, very Billboard Music chart.

This unique approach to the production of t-shirt design hasn’t gone unnoticed, and if the saying “imitation is the greatest form of flattery” were to be believed then the Threadless guys have plenty to feel flattered about. Other companies such as LaFraise.com and the very recent Design By Humans could almost be mistaken for identical siblings of the Threadless brand. Whilst they do have slight variations, Design By Humans’ designs are slightly edgier compared to the humour that is obvious in the Threadless range; I still believe on a whole that Threadless remains at the top of the t-shirt design industry. By maintaining an oath to stay loyal to their original concept and not selling out, Threadless have managed to maintain a growing customer fan base.

Not solely the producers of t-shirts, Threadless also print a magazine of art and oddities whilst the commissioned art pieces, once retired from it’s store window display duties, are sold. The Threadless brand is produced under the SkinnyCorp umbrella that is now expanding into other areas with high-end lines such as wallcoverings and cufflinks under the identity of Naked + Angry whilst Extra Tasty is a drinks cocktail menu that I cant wait to try. Through the Extra Tasty website you upload details of every drinkable substance in your reach and it will suggest cocktails that you can create to make your party go with a swing.