If you find yourself a loose end in LA, but have a cup, some ink, and a brush, then you should make your way to the Sumi Ink Club. Sumi Ink Club is a drawing collection based in LA, established in 2005 by Sarah Anderson and Luke Fischbeck. Their favourite style of drawing is topsy-turvy, detailed and collaborative: on paper using ink. These group drawings are meant to open and fortify social interactions that ‘bleed into everyday life’, welcoming ‘all ages, all humans, all styles’. And now, they’ve expanded from using ink on paper, to print on t-shirts.

Sumi Ink Club’s beautiful designs have been transferred onto the tee, and they are striking to say the least. The design detail is almost on a parallel with an optical illusion – it looks kinetic, but it isn’t, and mexican waves of changing colour on these shirts will definitely get you noticed. When you’re wearing your shades and stalking down the street people will stop you to say ‘wow’. All you will have to say in return is: ‘Sumi’, and maybe do the peace sign with your fingers.

for him

for her

Your look will be made complete with this hot bag they’ve added to the line. The perfect reusable shopping bag. Eco, and chic-o. I like it, lots.

Available here.

What’s the first thing to spring into your mind when I say ‘cavern’? I have to admit that for me, it is Aladdin. You know the big tiger’s head made out of sand, and its gravelly “diamond in the rough” voice, which I’ve often tried unsuccessfully to replicate. That was one cavern to give you technicolor dreams.

But in the fantastical world of caverns: [definition: a cave, or a chamber in a cave, typically a large one], the treasures it can hold all depend on individual taste. For my Father, I am sure the cavern would hold gadgets, for my friend it would definitely hold Snickers bars, and for myself? Well obviously: books….or shoes……too much choice, can I have a combination of both?

For a brand that affiliates itself with chambers of treasure, Cavern Collection has high standards to live up to. This ‘collaboration of ideas’ was born in 2005 by L.A. based artists Adam Tullie and Angeline Rivas. Their designs are focused on a core base of original, hand-drawn offerings. I can hazard a guess that their imaginary cavern would therefore, be filled with pencils and paper.

The designs on their t-shirts really do evoke an impression of graphic originality, native american/egyptian inspirations, and a printed evocation of texture which is fascinating to the eye.

Feathery

Accessories can be found in this Cavern too

Aladdin?

I think you’ll agree, it’s all beautifully Pocahontas.

And if you felt like decorating your home in the same style as your clothes, you sure can with Cavern Collection. My home would have this driftwood, manilla rope chandelier because it would make me feel like life in a tent, a simple life.

So Sahara

Did you see anyone wearing one of these t-shirts during the US Open 2009? You did?! You can not be serious.

Fierce

Johnny Mac, sounds like he could be a type of hamburger at a fast food outlet, actually American former World No.1 tennis champion. He had artistry with a racquet and a lovely volley, but most famously, a raging temper. Ferocious, the beast of the tennis court, no one has yet deuced his on court temper which landed him in a few sticky spots during his career. Most particularly after his public unloving of umpire Ted James in 1981, who he affectionately referred to as “the pits of the world.”

These days Johnny Mac can be found in the commentary box/the BBC’s Wimbledon chat show bit, where he hones his already superb vocal skills of analysis and tennis critique. And thanks to Nike, he can now also be found on your chest…but only if you’re wearing the Nike MacEnroe Ace T-Shirt that is. This red and blue screen print of JM in his dashing sweat bands, wild, Heathcliff-esque locks flowing in the on-court breeze, ready to slam and smack some little green balls and have a few temper tantrums really captures the mid-80s Johnny Mac with style. If you’re planning on playing some post-US open matches, this t-shirt will undoubtedly enhance your performance, by giving your opponent an inner fear and you the ultimate advantage.

I understand that there’s a point in life when you really shouldn’t be reading children’s literature, but Dallas Clayton’s ‘An Awesome Book’ is so….erm….awesome, that I’d be happy to see sharp business men and brain surgeons alike carrying a copy proudly under their arm, and reading it whilst they commute to work/stop for a coffee/wait for a meeting. Maybe this is because there’s more to this colourful children’s book than meets the eye. In fact it’s popularity inspired the creation of the ‘Awesome World Foundation‘ established in 2009 by author Dallas Clayton. For every copy of ‘An Awesome Book’ sold, the charity diligently donate a copy to schools, hospitals, libraries, camps and shelters in both the States and the rest of the world. Aiming to promote children’s literacy one book at a time, these guys seem to be doing a pretty good job.

But what does this have to do with t-shirt design? Well, believe it or not, you can snap up some fantastical kids clothing to go along with the book itself…a very awesome Christmas present in the making I’m thinking. There are two prints to choose from: either ‘rocket-powered unicorns’ or a hand drawn alphabet if your little ones are more into typography than fantasy. And with all these tees each sublimation print is slightly different, so there’s a healthy splash of uniqueness in every garment. Now it really would be awesome if they’d make make them a bit bigger or if I was temporarily shrinkable, but at least the book isn’t age specific…remember that while you’re on your morning commute.

Alphabet tee

Watch this video for a bit of light entertainment/more information.

As the majority of the student population begin the academic year in an oversized hoody and those mouldy old flip-flops left over from Summer, the brainboxes at Harvard University have turned their academic wisdom to the fashion scene. No, it’s not the students who’ve been busy designing a new, preppy, overpriced brand: it’s the University itself. Harvard Yard is a slice of fashion which even the dustiest Professor will soon be aware of. Following in the footsteps of “university” outfitters such as Jack Wills and Franklin & Marshall, Harvard Yard promotes an image that is clean, sharp, unaffordable and intimidatingly intellectual.

Late for Lectures? No one will care if you're a 'Harvard Yard' boy.

Collaborating with the tailored clothiers Wearwolf Group, the colour theme is crimson and green and the style is classic American. Branding yourself as a fashion house and a world-leading Ivy League University could spell disaster for this prestigious establishment as you don’t have to have “MA” after your name to wear these clothes, and more worrying, you don’t need any fashion sense either so long as you’ve got enough money to splurge. The crimson and green might not look as distinguished as Harvard envisage on a balding 65 year old man who always wished he’d gotten the grades to go to Harvard. This ‘men only’ brand effortlessly oozes style, class and the sex appeal of intelligence, so if you drool over expensive university apparel and the untouchable preppiness it evokes then this might just be the clothing line for you. Wonder if it’ll feature in the prospectus?

Ever felt like everyone is looking down on you? Then maybe this t-shirt isn’t the one for you. Altru Apparel’s most recent t-shirt line includes a print which may take you by surprise. It might just be that I am naive in the design stakes, but I’ve never seen anything quite like this on a shirt before. Altru’s ‘Central Park’ t-shirt might be just the thing to keep you entertained on rainy afternoons, as this shirt features a birds-eye view of New York City’s famous park, complete with inhabitants. As Altru suggest: ‘You could spend hours spying on all the people hanging out’, but I’m not one to advocate voyeurism. That said, so far I’ve been able to spot a group having a picnic, an older couple having a natter on fold-up chairs and someone who could possibly be George Clooney…but maybe that was just wishful thinking.

Spot anyone you know?

If you’re prone to bouts of vertigo, then perhaps it would be safer all round if you opted for the ‘Organ’ tee. Another classic photographic tee in greyscale. If you’re an aspiring organist then this design will offer endless practicing opportunities on the move. It’s your very own portable, mute, 2-D instrument. And if you happen to bump into someone who is already a talented organ player (you might find one at church), then you can strike up a beautiful friendship by inviting them to play Bach’s Toccata on your stomach. Just make sure you’re not ticklish first.

One man. Four hands.

Here’s something I’ve not seen before. They say that ingenuity is in simplicity and this t-shirt design by Brooklyn based PASTE is simplicity at it’s most ingenious, or is it? Here Paste’s graphic artist Jason Laurits has designed a t-shirt featuring nothing but a sketch of a…..t-shirt……yes, you heard correctly, on the front. Despite its blatant simplicity, I still can’t get my head around this t-shirt. There are a million questions I could ask: is the t-shirt on the design inspired by the t-shirt itself? Which came first, the design or the t-shirt? Whether you like it or not, the tee on tee is one of the PASTE’s more simplistic designs.

See two tee?

Others include the slightly more adventurous ‘Damn – Girl’ shirt, on which a Jane Austen-style legacy hero casts a flirtatious look at the bee-hind of one of his female companions, and by his comment seems, well what can I say? Rear-ly impressed. Not sure what Austen would have to say about that, but if this indie design soars in popularity perhaps it will be added to the script of the next Pride & Prejudice adaptation, completely changing the characterization of Mr. Darcy for generations to come. I predict outrage. Like it or loath it, you can’t accuse Laurits of failing in his vision to associate his t-shirt line with art, culture and humour.

Damn-Girl

Pinecone + Chickadee might sound like a children’s storybook duo, but they’re actually a t-shirt designing duo from Portland, across the pond in New England. Their studio is formed by a married team: s collaboration between the graphical designer wife Amy, and musician husband Noah. Pinecone + Chickadee silkscreen all their imaginative artwork onto a range of apparel including t-shirts, journals and greeting cards. All their papery goods are made from recycled materials, and even the ink they use is water based and earth friendly; a preservation attitude that is encouraged by looking at the beautiful Maine coastline I’m guessing. Currently, men can choose from designs including giant pandas, a cyclops and this stripy whale and lighthouse shirt. Some of the designs are printed on organic t-shirts, but not all of them, so it’s best to check first if you want to stay super earthy.

Admittedly this whale doesn't look as friendly as Free Willy

For women, the designs are slightly more peaceful and subdued, including this red and black bird design on a long grey shirt and a gold wolf on navy blue, which would incidentally look great with a green shopping bag…hmmm perhaps this handsewn ‘Broccoli’ bag? I can’t help but love it when veg gets promoted through artwork.

Mmmm, broccers

Ever wished that you could have a different head? Maybe you’d like the chiseled features of Michelangelo’s David, the wide-eyed elegance of Audrey Hepburn, the winning smile of Barak Obama, Marylin Monroe’s iconic beauty spot or Elvis Presley’s upper lip? You’re not alone, there are times when I would like another head. At the moment I think I’d opt for a combo of Albert Einstein and Willy Shakespeare to help me with some pesky Literature exams, though that might result in some premature aging. HeadHoods have come up with an original way to get another head, or more accurately, 3 faces. They’ve cleverly styled some regular hoodies by printing some well-known faces onto either side of the hood. The idea behind HeadHoods stemmed from a coffee buzz which just didn’t stop, and now they’re lovingly hand-printed by one man in his Brooklyn studio. The result is quite bizarre but I like it, and from the photos you can see just how unique they look out-and-about.

Here's something you never thought you'd see

HeadHoods have a wide range of faces to choose from, including famous heads and some that are just for fun. Some of my favourites include the gorilla face (perfect for anyone who likes bananas), a crying baby’s head (would work anyone who’s either pregnant or has a bit of a childish temper), and Michael Jackson, back in the day (to remind you that You Are Not Alone).

Hungry Gorilla

They say that as you get older you experience a second childhood. You can see it happening everywhere, we’d rather munch on Party Rings than canapes, wear plimsols instead of lace up shoes and a Sunday afternoon nap is essential. But there’s something new on the scene of childhood revival, in fact it regresses beyond childhood, almost to the womb. It is the baby grow: no longer just for babies.

Jumpin Jammerz are pajama makers like no other. With their range of all in one bedtime suits, the face of sleep time fashion has been radically reinvented. The range is quite impressive, and they cater for every type of sleeper. Do your feet get cold in bed? Then get a bed suit with feet. Alternatively, if your feet get a bit toasty at night, you can opt for a footless suit. Always slipping over on the floorboards? There are suits with fleecy hoods, sticky feet (to minimise the risk of a dangerous slip on a wooden floor), and then there’s even a range with a ‘drop down seat’…well no one said that they’d make you look attractive. 

With these  jim-jams you can authentically experience childhood again: all you need is a jumbo pack of pampers, a warm bottle of milk and a pacifier to complete the look.

20th January 2009, the day of President Obama’s inauguration. A day of history, a day of prestige, a day foregrounded by snap-shots of Obama holidaying in Hawaii…in his bathing trunks. Seeing someone famous minus most of their clothes always seems to spark media attention, and having a good gawp at toned Barack’s bod has only increased his popularity. Wearing a pair of long swim shorts, it seems that we now feel confident America is in capable hands. With a carefully managed image, Obama and his trunks do not disappoint, though I have to admit, I would have felt differently if he’d been snapped wearing Speedos. The big question at the moment is clearly: what should a Presidential pair of trunks say? This question prompted American newspaper, the Huffington Post, to compile a slideshow of shirtless holidaying Presidents for public inspection. Though colourful Bill Clinton’s 1993 green and purple (??) trunks are quite the eye catcher, and Ronald Reagan’s high-waisted whiteys cut a tastefully modest short, I have to say that Obama is looking like the high flier in the swim-pant stakes.

Combined with a toned physique, he’s evidently done more crunches that our very own (and very unlikely to ever be seen in a pair of swimming trunks) Gordon Brown, whose crunches have been altogether more credit related.  Though Californian Governor, and general muscle machine, Arnold Schwarzenegger may have made some light hearted jibes that Obama needs to work on his ‘skinny legs’ with some squats, the new President’s holiday trunk snaps show off that in the minimal clothing fashion stakes, Obama’s navy swim shorts were definitely worth your vote.

Nice to see a President in shorts that aren't too short

Oh Goodie Goodie Two Sleeves! Yes readers, there are more special offers all lined up for this week only. Get your mouse clicking finger at the ready because Goodie Two Sleeves have slashed the prices of their t-shirts for their (not green, not purple, not even red but…) ‘Black Week’ of pre-crimbo sale shopping. Not only that, but if you buy this week you might even win 7 free t-shirts from these generous folks. Black Friday (the day after American Thanksgiving) traditionally marks the first official day of Christmas Shopping, though for my Mother that began way back in August. After Black Friday you’re allowed to release all that pent up Christmas energy…you’re allowed to get Christmassy. Go on…. deck the halls. And to celebrate this week of before Christmas Christmas Sales, Goodie Two Sleeves have whacked a whopping 50% off their shirts as a Black Week celebration of snip-priced shopping. So first things first, select some shirts from their online store to buy. This could in fact be the trickiest part as they have got a lot of amazing tees. I saw a good few that would be ideal Christmas presents. Know someone with a rep for globetrotting? The show-off ‘Represent’ shirt will go down a storm, and the design is very cool.

I've been here and here and here and here and here and here and

Got a friend with a bit of a sweet tooth? Aha, the Gummy Bear shirt! This beast is fierce on the outside but with a bit of a chew it’s a real schweetie, d’aaaaw. Now then, what about Dad? He’s always a tricky one to buy for. Not any more! Thankfully my Pap is rapidly balding, and if yours is too then this shirt could be a perfect present. Make the combed-over scalp in your life proud of his combing because ‘It’s the haircut with a sunroof’. Whoa there, good job…you’ve just got Christmas in your cart. Now head off to the checkout, tap in the Discount code: BACKINBLACK and enjoy seeing the numbers crunch in half. But before you finish, why not get a little treat for yourself. A reward for such a productive and money saving shopping spree maybe? I’ve seen just the shirt, you should be ‘Proud to be Awesome’.

Because let's face it...you are

Loops and Pluto sounds like it could be an outer-space roller coaster, but that would be wrong because it’s actually an indie fashion retailer…and they’ve got a treat for you, but you’ll just have to wait a bit before I let you know what it is. Patience is a virtue. With a huge array of quirky t-shirts there’s something to tempt everyone at Loops and Pluto, and their t-shirts aren’t your average, though there are a few wholesome favourites there.

The store is handily categorized into sections which list “New T-shirts” and “Popular T-shirts”, but with some scouring you can also find many hidden gems. These shirts will get you noticed, especially when they glow in the dark like this one, no need to scrabble for the torch in a power cut. And if you’re about to meet up with a friend who you haven’t seen in a long time then the striking “Yes, It’s Really Me” shirt is an indispensable item.

One of my favourites is the “Beer Pong” t-shirt. When I studied at Yale I was treated to participation in this party game on more than one occasion. The idea being that you combine skill (aiming a ping-pong ball) with drinking cups of beer. The more balls you successfully plop into your opponent’s cups at the other end of the table, the more they have to drink. I didn’t really understand the game’s concept at first, as you can get quite thirsty if you have a good aim, but those Yalies know what they’re talking about I suppose, and all the cups do get supped in the end believe it or not. The charm of Beer Pong is that it’s not a drinking game; it’s a drinking sport. So if you are a Beer Pong champ use this shirt to show off your athleticism.

Seeing a man wearing the word "Pong" is such a rare sight

This could be you

I love an alter ego. All of the most interesting people have double identities – take Marilyn Manson – contemporary American alternative metal musician who composed his stage name by combining the first name of glamorous actress Marilyn Monroe (bit girly?) and the surname of….erm….convicted murderer Charles Mason. But in reality he’s no one more than Brian Hugh Warner, and knowing this makes him a lot less scary.

Already lot cooler than Brian, Scott Hansen outdoes the double identity by adding a third alias to his persona, is there anything the man cannot do? This San Francisco based musician (known as Tycho) and designer (ISO50) is achingly cool, as can only be expected of someone who can pull together three identities. His designs are composed of blocks of colour effortlessly shaped into meaning. With seemingly endless bending lines and distortions, ISO50 redefines familiar iconography with new visual perspectives, and what’s more he’s unafraid of colour. How can you make four numbers super-stylish? Have a look at the ISO50 1976 shirt as a prime example. And if you’d like an ISO50ian representation of your favourite city take a peek at this London shirt.

Just don’t get him confused with another Scott Hansen (slightly overweight stand up American comedian) whose nose you must scratch in order to enter his website. That would be a doubling of identity too far.

Numbers have never looked so good

Today is the big day and all anyone can seem to talk about (apart from the credit crunch and Kerry Katona slurring her words on This Morning) is the US Presidential race. It’s all policies, plumbers and Saturday Night Live, but fresh from the revelation that Sarah Palin might have had her lipliner tattooed on, I have decided to take a look at the aesthetics of Republicrat 2008.

Long before Miss Alaska came on the scene, Hillary was giving the world a lesson in what (not) to wear as a professional woman.

Don't adjust your screens - it really is just her trousers

But over time, things have improved. By combining sharp tailoring and soft muted hues, Ms Rodham Clinton’s notorious power suits scream “Trust me, I mean business – but I’m also very approachable.” Evidently though, people didn’t trust her or approach her enough alas.

Now to Ms Palin. It has recently been revealed that this fascinating creature has been made over to the tune of $150,000. Nice. Maybe I’ll run for Vice-President next time round. My wardrobe could do with a bit of a revamp and I think I’m about as qualified for the job as the pitbull in lipstick. People initially seemed to warm to her all-American working woman bombshell style – gorgeous shoes and chic suits, capped with lashings of lippy, a snappy up do and those famous frameless specs. But then she opens her mouth. A lesson once again that you shouldn’t judge a hockey mom by its cover.

While the presidential race is undoubtedly gripping, let’s not overlook the battle for First Lady. Michelle v Cindy. Effortless v high-maintenance. Cotton jersey v taffeta. Democrat v Republican. Cindy McCain took to the stage at the Republican National Convention wearing a $300,000 outfit (hideous, I might add), a sum that somewhat discredits her husband’s claim to be a man of the people, just another Joe Six-Pack.

If a velociraptor were dipped in gold, this is what it would look like

Michelle Obama, on the other hand, has chosen elegant ensembles in bright colours, giving her an air of understated confidence, rather like Barack’s approach to the campaign. Maybe the gobstoppers round the neck are a step too far towards approachability though…

About to cross the finish line of the fashion race in first place...

I firmly believe that the Democrats have triumphed in the fashion race, but whether this outcome arises on the 4th remains to be seen. Fingers crossed – otherwise it will be frameless specs all round.