It’s cold and dark outside, so spare a thought for those pounding the streets and ticking of the miles in preparation for the Virgin London Marathon, coming up on the 25th April 2010. I have experienced the highs and lows of those 26.2 miles first hand, having run the ING New York Marathon in 2006. In the run-up I was encouraged by an ‘old hand’ to print my name on my running t-shirt, so the crowds could cheer me on my way.

Team Lynnie

Plus Indigo Clothing’s Stephan has designed this charity tee for Lyn Brooks. She is running the London Marathon, raising money for the Spinal Injuries Association. These are available to purchase through Lyn’s facebook page and feature a gold foil finish! You can donate here.

Heard of S.I.T.H? It could stand for many things:

Sizzling In The Heat….
or Super Igloo: Tremendous Home…
or Screaming Invisible Trampoliner Hurt.

But (fortunately) what it actually signifies is: Star In The Hood.

London’s Tinchy Stryder is not just a pretty face/rapping rapper/musical melody maker who likes to flash around with his S.I.T.H clothes shimmering, he is in fact the very fashion master behind this brand. Created a couple of years ago, Tinchy says: “RESPECT” and “I wear it every single day”. After listening to Tinchy’s touching lyrics, I have been inspired by ‘the hood‘ way of life and have decided to make it my quest to become a Tinchy disciple. So far so good, I’ve been congratulated on the authenticity of my walk, shades and rhymes, now all I need is some cutting edge stizzle [style]. Where better to stizzle myself up that with some bone fide Tinchy wear, modeled by the man himself. Since it’s chilly I’ve decided to go for the sweatshirt, a soft, fleecy lining sounds so appealing for when I’m snuggled at home with a cup of tea….oh I mean, I need to keep warm-izzle when I’m out on the streets all night in a freestyle rap-off. There are many designs to choose from. The neon green on black is attractive, but since I’m aiming to be more of a ‘baller’, I think I’ll bling it up with the diamante, black-filled, grey-marl sweatshirt. No expense spared.

Serious Stizzle

Despite my steely exterior (you need it in the hood), I have to admit that this gangsta’ is really quite the softie. So when selecting some Christmas presents for my homies, I’m planning on splashing my baller cash on an ‘I Got Soul’ Tinchy-esque tee, because 100% of the profits go to War Child, an international charity that protects children who live in the most dangerous war zones of the world. Yeah Tinchy, that’s right – “Respect”.

When you're in the hood, you're allowed to be grammatically incorrect

Best letter of the alphabet? It has to be ‘K’. For starters it looks fantastically angular, can be written uniquely in each style of handwriting – so it’s personal, and some of the most wonderful people have names which begin with this letter. Of course I’m talking about Keith Chegwin, Kanye West and Keira Knightly….cough cough cough, not myself! If you think you know of a better letter then feel free to fight back. Otherwise you could show some allegiance to the alphabet with one of these spangly necklaces from Anna Lou of London. I’m wearing the ‘K’ in black, but if a peach ‘T’ is more your cup of…tea, or a white ‘S’, like the winter snow, then take your pick. But I think secretly we all know and accept that ‘K’ is the leading letter:

Kool

Since Anna Lou is of London, she also loves to make her plastic accessories Britalicious. The Queen’s Head earrings and Corgi Brooch are my particular favourites, and would be ideal Christmas gifts for any friends who live overseas. Particularly friends who dislike Britain…there’s nothing like a good bit of patriotism in the face of banterous hostility is there now? I’m just hoping for a Gordon Brown range to come out; did you know, he’s gone a little bit gangsta, rap bling these days has G-Brown…

Guess who has a Royal Corgi..............

............that's right! The Queen!

WE MAKE T-SHIRTS kind of gives the game away. What do they do? Make T-Shirts. Who are ‘we’? They are Tony, Gill and Mike, Nottingham designers, printers and sellers – nestled in the hub of the creative t-shirt trade. ‘We Make T-Shirts’ was born during a busy University life of design, and since then has continued to grow and expand into proportions which might be (in fabric terminology) comparable to big billowy parachute. As the name suggests, for this company the ‘making’ of the t-shirts is a very important part of the creative process, and on their website you can find an intricate, almost David Attenborough-esque, documentary of the production process. Sleek. After watching it you’ll know exactly how your t-shirt came into the world, all the way from sketch pad to clothes tag. Some of their designs include….

“Salut”

“Paper Planes”

“Cubesville”

and my personal favourite…..”Tv’s”

But these kind t-shirters are also willing to print on request, so if there’s a particular style/colour combination you’ve got your heart set on then your wishes might just be accommodated. As ‘We Make T-Shirts’ begin to burst into stores in London (Lik & Neon Brick Lane), Sheffield, Nottingham and Birmingham (“Cow” Stores), their talent is getting some well deserved recognition and I think it’s time to jump on their bandwagon.

Nick Knight t-shirt printed by Indigo Clothing

Indigo printed t-shirts for a new fashion and photography exhibition at London’s beautiful Somerset House. Fashion Revolution will showcase the talents of innovators as various as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Gareth Pugh, Kate Moss and Björk – alongside Knight himself.

If you are in town, pop-in and check it out. Jo and Vick went along for the press launch and were talking about nothing else all week!

SHOWstudio: Fashion Revolution will run at Somerset House from September 18 to December 22 2009.

[Via Vogue.com]

I am Five. We’ll in truth I have aged a bit since then, though the frequency with which I have to whip out the old proof of age would beg to differ, as would the checkout people who have in the past checked that I’m old enough to buy Baileys ice-cream. I can say with pleasure that afterwards they were slightly embarrassed at checking. Looking young is clearly something to treasure, though I worry that one of these days I’ll wake up and all my ageing will have happened overnight and I’ll all of a sudden be hobbling around with a stick and booking myself in for a face lift.

I am Five isn’t quite a statement of age, it’s a t-shirt design label based in London town. I doubt that they’re grappling with the same age-appearance incompatibility related issues as me because they’re so busy making fantastical t-shirts. The first line from their brand spanking new online store is all about London fun. With a clean website, and equally clean design techniques they present a series of nods to London past, present, regal and fictional. You might like to wear Sherlock Holmes‘ profile, a t-shirt interpretation of the British Post-Box or three letters than mean so much: ‘LDN’. I like it.

"ER" Royal Majesty

Post by Meeha:

“Oh Meeha, keep in mind we’re very casual and jeans will do just fine.”

Just the words any intern/workshadowing student wants to hear when trying to venture into the world of the working kind. I didn’t really know what to expect  when I got accepted to do a workshadow with Jo and the gang at Indigo Clothing. All I can say is, quickest six hours of my life, apart from the really, really , REALLY fast six hours of sleep that preceded the working day.

I was taken by Jo, my mentor for the day to the warmest, most comfortable studio room-office ever. T-shirts hanging from a clothing line, of course, they customise shirts, among other things. Was introduced Eleni, who works with Jo, and got right down to work, being explained bits and bobs along the way.  After a  few additions and multiplications, sending back quotes to potential customers  it was time for lunch. Guess what, they feed you too!! Well, only if you’re interning I guess . Yummy chicken sandwich baguette from a bar across the road, you will truly be missed. When we got back from lunch I was introduced to the Blog on which these few words will be put up, I’m assuming. FUN! Although I’m not sure if this particular post will be half as popular or fun to read as any of Kate’s. Wow can that woman write or what?

As I write this, I’m getting my very own t-shirt printed.  It took me nearly half an hour to think up what I wanted to have printed on my shirt. I think it is quite near perfection.  Almost.

You readers should be so lucky to get a day to intern with Indigo Clothing, I did, so BOOYA!! I’m thinking of throwing in an evil chuckle somewhere, yes totally should.

*RUBS HANDS TOGETHER AND CHUCKLES*

And because I have a train to catch back to Loughborough University, I must stop writing this post from this big city computer, in this big city work place, in the big city.

This sheep in the big city and alien to fast walking, tube-taking, hustling and bustling must go back to the Village that is Loughborough.  Adios!

Meeha's new t-shirt!

The famous London Marathon has just passed us by, and with it has passed a whole world of fashion, from freakish costumes to personalised team gear; these days running events are more about sporting fashion that you might think. Some of my favourite fancy dressers from this year’s race included a dashing Rubik’s cube and a giant, if a bit disproportional looking, running nurse. Though big congratulations also go out to classic dressers like Paul Simons who set a new record as the fastest Santa on record.

Florence Nightingale?

Next weekend I will be participating in the Great Edinburgh run, and though it’s no 26 mile marathon I am still having nightmares. As I’m accustomed to running in a used-to-be-white-but-now-it’s-a-bit-greyish men’s tee and some embarrassing ’Yale’ shorty shorts, I thought that it might be time to invest in some uber cool running gear (ideally to make me look faster than I actually am).

A sweat band is the first essential for all serious runners, as is an accurate watch to time your speed. Thankfully TimeBandits have combined the two. Though the watch may not be digitally sound, it will add a little bling to your get-up, and resting on a blue and green toweling sweat band will ensure that you keep the sporty vibe alive.

tick tick tick

Next in importance are the running shades – don’t want any sun glare to impinge on my athletic abilities now. I think I might opt for these Galactic sunglasses from Lazy Oaf to add a trendy retro feel to my pace. They’ll protect my eyes, and as you might be able to see, they are slightly(ish) streamlined down the sides for ultimate performance.

The afro rules out the streamlining effect a little bit

Finally, as every professional sports personality knows, the key to success lies in the visor. These days you can glam up your visor with sequins or get on in the shape of your favourite foam animal, will that be toucan or shark? In fact you can even get your hands on ones that light up and flash a rainbow of colours. There’s just too much choice, I can’t decide. But hang on one second, there’s something crucial I’ve forgotten: the trainers…oops. After having a leisurely browse I think my feet would be on fire in a pair of these houndstooth high-tops from Nike, available at Flatspot. They look super-soft too – though maybe not so good for actual marathon running.

Old man smoking jacket meets trainer

With my sweet-sweat watch, streamlined shades, visor and trendy trainers, I’ll be a sight for sore eyes. Watch out Edinburgh. But if you fancy some more scary looking fitness gear then you could always play it conventional with Stella McCartney’s designs for Adidas. You might think this is just a white t-shirt, but it’s actually a ‘Perf Run Tee 09‘ with breathable ’ClimaCool’ fabric, sounds very technical and complex, but if you’re a stylish pro then it could be the perfect shirt for you.  Gees, you’d think with all this hi-tech runner-wear they’d have designed something that could just do the running for you?

Initially they were worn to provide protection against the elements. Protecting sensitive scalps from falling rocks or direct sunlight. As the years progressed they offered head defence against weapons, and then, in the footsteps of haute couture – they became symbols of social status. There’s more to a hat than meets the head.

Today the hat is most commonly used to cover up a bad hair day, which according to history, could have originated back in 1700 when travelling hat makers first began to traverse the British Isles selling their headgear. Then by the Edwardian Era, people began to mimic hair on their hats with feathers, or more technically ‘plumes’. Well that was until the hat caused some controversy when dead birds began being used as decoration and the RSPB was formed – scandal. Nevertheless, we Brits used to be mad about hats, in fact you could say that we were ‘Mad as Hatters’, because back in the day you would probably be wearing a hat right now. It was only beggars who went bareheaded, and if anyone went out of the house with a naked head, even if only to get a newspaper and a Curly-Wurly, they would be severely reprimanded.

Stephen Jones is a guy that knows a thing or two about hats. As a world famous milliner, he’s created some of the most experimental hats you could ever dream of seeing – I’m guessing that there would be some of that Edwardian plumage involved here somewhere along the line, though hopefully animal-friendly this time. Over the years Jones has collaborated with the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Christian Dior. He’s made hats out of doll faces, lollipop sticks and bottle tops: very Blue Peter.

If this man was a hat, you can bet he’d be a top hat. That white swimming cap Keira Knightly wears in the film Atonement? Yes, it’s by Mr. Jones, and his latest hat creation? Well, actually it’s not a hat, it’s an exhibition at the V&A entitled ‘Hats: An Anthology’ which takes fashion lovers behind the scenes of millinery, tracing the art of hat making from inspiration to creation, before finally arriving on the client’s head. According to Jones: ‘This exhibition is truly an eclectic and exciting anthology of hats from BC to the present day’. There are some oldies in there, including an Egyptian mask that dates back to 600BC, and then there are some royal head toppers like Queen Victoria’s bonnet and an original design from a Tudor knitted crown.  But it’s the leading man’s own designs that make up a third of the exhibition, where you can probably expect to see hats like this:

And this….

And maybe even this?

The exhibition is showing at the V&A in London until May, but perhaps one of the most exciting features of this hat anthology is that you can get your very own hat, designed by none other than Stephen Jones, for free. Seriously. All you need to do is get some paper, follow this pattern and start folding. Voila.

So here it is, the third and final instalment of notes from Paris. This one may be slightly inventive (I didn’t actually see anyone in the French capital wearing one of these) but oh it’s a good one. After flap hats and masculine roll necks it’s time for a t-shirt. You know that awful phrase: ‘Been there, done that, got the t-shirt‘? The reason why it’s so awful is because the t-shirts people get are usually quite uninventive, but if you’ve been to Paris, or even if you haven’t, this t-shirt is anything but boring.

Who loves Paris?

Not does this design feature the ultimate landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, it also gives you the tongue of a native, clear your throats and get your mouths ready for some over pronunciation because ‘J’aime Paris’. Any Parisian would strip off their roll neck sweater faster than you can say  ‘Zut Alors!’ if they were wearing one of these t-shirts by Lazy Oaf underneath it. Even the Eiffel Tower has put a little bit of blusher on her cheeks to make sure you look your best. But if, despite my riveting fashion notes, Paris isn’t the city for you not to worry, because they do an ‘I heart London’ t-shirt too.

You've got to love England, even the big fat raincloud is cheery

Couture fashion reminds me of going to an art gallery and walking around some strange exhibitions, liking them, but not knowing quite why. Recycled couture is my favourite (gazing with awe upon the versatility of an empty can of Dr. Pepper never ceases to disappoint) and Gary Harvey’s collection of recycled wonders from London Fashion Week turns the iconic everyday garment into something elegant – reflecting the serious message that recycling is something beautiful. Yet, it’s only honest to admit that these fantastical creations lack in practicality. The ball gown made from scrunched newspaper may have that magical rustle when you walk and the print may compliment your skin tone perfectly, but it would be a bit risky if someone caught it in their heel; it would tear from here to forevermore. Then you have to consider the potential of ink stains, serious papers cuts and the fact that you’d be red/read all over (that’s a bad joke I’ve not heard in a while).

London Lite?!

A bit disheartening if you were hoping to go to the ball in that particular showstopper of a dress, but you do have to think these things through before making an impulse buy. Though the weird and the wonderful doesn’t have to be quite out of reach if you bring a little recycled couture onto your shoulder with this V&A bag made from tape measures. With a satin silk lining and an interior jade button it has all the luxury of couture, without the health and safety risks.

Made to Measure

It’s great to be British. We can invest in beautiful umbrellas because we know they’ll never just be left in a cupboard unused, we can style up the waterproof ‘mac’ a treat. If we want a frolic in the floral meadows of the countryside then we can just hop on a train and, in no less than an hour or so, frolic to our heart’s content in the grounds of some National Trust stately home. And more to the point, in times of crisis what do we do? Have a nice cup of tea, that’s what.

This week fashion land celebrates being British with London Fashion Week. It looks like those designers have been getting in the mood with a patriotic hand on heart to our Queen, nation, the British Bulldog and a rousing chorus or two of ‘Rule Britannia’. Alexander McQueen’s royal print dresses are quite literally fit for a Queen, and his slightly more affordable Union Jack t-shirt is nicely finished off with a sash and red rose along the bottom. Meanwhile, Betty Jackson encourages us to show off the heritage of the British monarchy with a pair of Henry VIII Tudor print pants, my particular favourites.

Ophelia’s Art is another place where the royal-tee is available. Queen Elizabeth or Henry’s wives? Hmmm, tricky decision, but remember it’s a great way to hone your historical general knowledge skills, and if you simply can’t decide there’s always a range of matching mugs, badges, canvas bags and even BBQ apron, you could be a walking text-book of British historical figures. Who said fashion wasn’t educational?

So get yourself a string of pearls, a fetching fake crown, some neck ruffles, and if you really want to make a statement…a pair of Elizabethan puff pants…trust me, no girl can resist them. Ruling Britannia is easy, just don’t say that to Gordon Brown right now.

Always wear your Elizabethan Puff Pants with a shaped goatee and hand on hip

RSPCA Pancake Maker Apron on the transfer print machine

Last week Indigo Clothing printed a range of items including the apron above for the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Protection of Animals), one of the UK’s largest charities, in aid of their Free-Range Egg Campaign. Their staff were sporting a range of RSPCA branded apparel at the Ben and Jerry’s Sundae event on Clapham Common in South West London. More pics of the t-shirts and clothes in action on the B&J Sundae photos page.

Indigo transfer printed some of the items such as the aprons, chefs hats and bum bags as unlike the t-shirts these where only needed in very small quantities. Using the screen printing we tradionally prefer, the design above would be quite expensive as it has multiple colours and drop shadow. However, transfer printing using our new heat press and the Universal Opaque Transfer system by Target (PDF) was a breeze and producing cracking results.

Rain seems to be threathening the third set on the mens singles Wimbledon final as Nadal seems set to take the throphy from Federer. 

This year Indigo Clothing again embroidered some of the players Adidas shirts, thanks to a regular Wimbledon order from sports management agency SFX/BEST. As usual we did both sleeves for the US top seeds Bryan Brothers and also newcomer Sam Querrey.

Sadly for the Byrans they got knocked out of the of the men’s doubles at the semi-final stage by Jonas Bjorkman and Kevin Ullyett. However, they still play on the mixed doubles final today. Good luck to them both!

Image ©Getty Images / I. Walton

Indigo are pleased to supply t-shirts for exclusive Mayfair personal trainer and personal training studios, Matt Roberts Personal Training. Famous as a ‘Personal trainer to the stars, Matt’s clients include Naomi Campbell and Sting!

Matt’s gym recently featured in the London Lite newspaper, highlighting the benefits of their two week summer boot camp! The results were positive and the subject in question seemed very pleased with the outcome.

For prices and more info check this page: http://personaltrainer.uk.com/