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JUNE: Designer of the month Never Second
Other | Wednesday 12th June 2013 | Osh
Introducing something fresh and representing proudly for the UK these guys bring back the element of hand drawn illustrations using original imagery and minimal colour. Only launching this year, they have already been gaining a lot of love and are topped for big things. We caught up with Andy, co- owner of the brand to get the latest...
Firstly can you tell us a little bit of the history behind Never Second how did it all kick off for you?
Never Second is a collaborative project between myself Andy and long term friend and collaborator Matt. We’ve both got history within the streetwear industry and creating our own label was something that we had planned for quite a while, it just seemed like a logical step for us.
What is the inspiration and philosophy behind the brand?
We are proud to be a British brand and so this factors into a lot of our designs. Going forward we want it to factor in a lot more, while maintaining focus on the aspects that are relevant to the brand. For instance, we adopted the motto ‘Utrinque Paratus’ which means ‘Ready For Anything’. It comes from the Parachute Regiment and fits really well with the kind of message we want to put out and the ideology behind the brand. This way of thinking with a bit of British Grit thrown in is what fuels our design ethos.
You only started up this year, how have you found the whole process? You seem to be getting a lot of love already!
We’ve both produced clothing in various forms before so the process isn’t new to us. The production side of things has been fine, a few slight hiccups but nothing too major. We’re fortunate to have the support of a lot of good people around us. I think the feedback has been great so far which we believe proves our point that there is a strong future for hand drawn, well executed graphics.
You have a theme in your garms that pride Great Britain with your hand drawn illustrations, is this an important factor in your brand?
We think that things have become quite repetitive and a little lazy recently in streetwear and we didn’t want to go down the route of using photo prints and slogan tees etc so bringing back the hand drawn element and using original imagery is definitely an important factor. Celebrating our British pride is just a natural thing for us as we’re a UK brand.
Never Second - Spring 2013 Promo from Never Second on Vimeo.
We live in a very competitive fashion circuit, how do you keep ahead of the competition?
We’re both fans of streetwear and I don’t think our initial plan was to try and change the scene but more to improve on the things that are being done, so rather than being ahead of the competition we just want to keep doing the basics well and build from that. I think if you deliver quality product every season people will take note.
You had Daddy Skitz in your office last month, you a fan of his beats? What music you guys got on repeat right now?
Daddy Skitz is a UK legend, we both listened to his music growing up and the whole hip hop culture has played a massive part in both of our lives, right now I’m currently listening to Ninja Mi Ninja by Ninja Man, summer vibes!
What is your hot pick from the new collection?
All the tees are looking great, some awesome new graphics coming next season, also some quality cut and sew products.
What has 2013 have in store for you guys?
We want to expand our product range, predominantly into more cut and sew garments. We also have some great collabos lined up for next year, all I can say is watch this space!
Lastly where can we find Never Second?
We’re currently stocked in The Chimp Store, Urban Industry & Natterjacks with more stockists confirmed for August including a couple of London based accounts
For more information go to www.never-second.co.uk
Follow @NeverSecondUK
Words by Tabatha Taylor @tiptoptab
