Kanye may say his camp revived the trend but a young DC designer is bringing it to new levels
Time to update some of your t-shirts in the wardrobe. SPXRK is working on creating the original wave, or exemplifying it best, for you to rock wherever you go. What’s really special about these tees is the material and level of detail Kevin uses for his finished product. Check out our short interview that we did with the creative director and designer for SPXRK, Kevin Aina.
What kind of material did you use with this line? Why did you choose that particular material?
I used 100% Egyptian Cotton as well as Greek Polyster Cotton blends. I knew it was important for the fabric to be made of the proper material. When I was designing and sampling the ‘Immaculate Reign’ Tee. I came up with the idea to have the tee made of Egyptian Cotton to reflect the theme. The texture was just as soft and durable as we expected, so we decided to use that cotton for the whole collection.
Where did you get the inspiration for the designs? Is there a theme?
Each piece in the collection has it’s own creative direction but as a whole we used numbers and symbols to express or represent those ideas and themes. Inspiration for this collection has been drawn from Itailian painters to ancient pharoahs to everyday motives to live by-collectively created in a diverse but cohesive manner.
Why did you get into fashion in the first place?
I didn’t consciously go in the direction of fashion. I’ve been designing since I was a kid, but not clothes, more like graphic and web design. As I grew up things that you wore became more important, an identity almost. So it basically developed over time.
Where do you plan on going with SPXRK long term?
Long term, I want to develop a brand that brings and is known for authentic creativity and the re-birth of creations and ideas of eras before me in a modern, refreshing way.
What sets SPXRK apart from all the other clothing brands that are established as well as new ones, such as yours?
I’m a 19 years old, history inspired, youth influenced creative director that’s run his own operation. A lot of clothing brands don’t have a designer or creative director as the CEO of the company. They have a logo or a couple logos and simply print it on a tee. No direction, little meaning, no depth, no delivery, no build up. With me and my brand, I’m focusing on the creative aspect of clothing and pushing the envelope of how clothing can be designed, created, and presented.
What have you learned as do’s and don’ts already in the fashion world?
I know not to promise or announce a release date if I’m not prepared when I announce it.
Peep the line after the jump and head to their website at 6 PM EST on 9/27 to purchase pieces from the line.
Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)
