Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Streetwear Spotlight: Dynastee Clothing + GIVEAWAY Article written by: Asmara Wreksono
Another example of how far humble beginnings can take a brand to its destination: success. Meet Marcus Andrew and Isaiah Andrew, creators of Dynastee Clothing, who turned their hobby into a business. Check Dynastee’s latest collection and be wowed.
Introduce yourself and describe how your brand was started?
Marcus: I’m Marcus Andrew, President and Chief Designer of Dynastee Clothing Co. Isaiah: I’m Isaiah Andrew, VP of Operations of Dynastee. The company was created by my brother and I almost a decade ago as a means of turning a hobby into a business. It started in our parent’s basement with a couple bottles of paint along with some hoodies & tee shirts. We were able to apply our artistic talent to create customized, unique clothing that differentiated itself from the masses. Through increased demand and resources, our brand has now grown into a fashion label that specializes in designing sophisticated urban-based wear with eclectic influences that represents our vision of our culture.
Describe this season’s theme for your line. Include any sources of inspiration (examples: 80′s punk, muses like Amber Rose, 70′s disco bands, Kanye, etc)
Marcus: Our major influences come from pop culture, contemporary art, and vintage advertisements, movies, European fashion, etc. As an artist, you can definitely be influenced or inspired by any images, words, or ideas you come into contact with. Isaiah: Overall, we want our pieces to speak to the young and ambitious student/professional/go-getter. It’s streetwear infused with a little sophistication.
Any product placements on celebs to keep an eye out for (examples: publicity photos, magazines, movies, music videos etc)
Isaiah: We currently produce designs for rapper/songwriter Andrew Davis II. Although he is currently unsigned, he is quickly making a name for himself within the Chicago music scene. We have also created shirts for Violator All-Star DJ All-En based out of New York, T.I., and MTV’s Sway. Marcus: We also plan to send influence packages out to various bloggers and celebrities who we feel exemplify the values or our brand; most notably, those who have used vision, ambition and their hustle to achieve their own version of the American Dream.
What has been a surprise fashion hit over the last year? (a particular piece, a look or even another brand)
Marcus: A surprise hit for me has been the return of classic rugged denim such as jean jackets and jean shirts. Isaiah: I’m also feeling the rugged boot movement, such as the Polo Rangers and Doc Martens.
Isaiah: I like the way nautical and vintage fashion have become popular again such as boat shoes, toggle jackets, military boots, and motorcycle leathers. Marcus: I like the minimalist approach I see in a lot of fashion design lately, less is always more.
What current fashion trend would you like to see thrown overboard?
Marcus: I’d like to see the super skinny jeans burned altogether in one heap. Especially bright, colorful ones. Isaiah: Sagging jeans seem a little outdated as well, anything sloppy needs to go in general.
What is/was one of your most prized fashion pieces, past or present?
Isaiah: I was able to get a tweed Marc Jacobs blazer by flirting with the lady in the DC Bloomingdale’s. Other than that, I’d say my Common Project Safari boots and a classic New York Yankees fitted for the past. Marcus: I’d have to say my Dynastees. But outside of that, I’d say my Polo boots and my Gucci loafs.
TuPac or Biggie?
Isaiah: Tupac. He transcended the urban, hip-hop culture and brought this lifestyle to the forefront of society. But lyrically, no one can ever see Biggie. Marcus: I agree, Biggie was my favorite though, because he actually seemed to have a more persistent brand, Tupac was definitely multi-faceted, but came across extremely contradictory at times.
Dynastee Clothing can be purchased at their official website: www.dynasteeshop.com with a reasonable range of prices ($29 per tee is a great bargain, don’t you think?) Here are some of our favorites from the brand:
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