With all the HYPE going around street brands taking over the fashion game and gaining the support of the masses, it has become important to recognize those street brands leading the youth, both local and international.
Youth culture is becoming more fashion conscious day by day and with that said I got the opportunity to interview Adidas best original crew winners STYLAGANG and got the scoop on how they got to where they are today, how they hustled to reach where they are today and basically what makes them unique…let’s get schooled don’t sleep.
When and how did the formation of STYLAGANG come about?
It was formed in 2011. We started out as a group of individuals that would dress up stylish and attend events to get recognized. We later opened up our blog: Stylagang.tumblr.com which was aimed at showing our unique and authentic take on fashion to the world. After noticing that we need money to sustain our look we started selling vintage clothes which we got from thrift shops in Johannesburg, at Grove Market and through social networks.We started customizing jackets and T-shirts by adding print material on it, with the demand of our customized clothing increasing, opening our own street wear clothing line was the next logical option.
STYLAGANG recently won the Adidas best original crew search, take us through that journey, why you entered and why you think you won.
We entered the Adidas Originals most original crew search because, with the hype growing around us as a collective, we thought we would just give it a try as see if our fan base is that big, and hoping to end up at least at the top 10, because it would be so embarrassing not to. We went on a campaign to ask our friends to vote for us, we were so determined to win. We created poster from cardboards with all the details you need to follower for you to cast your vote, posing in the streets of Soweto, gathering votes. Our promotional grind was heavy, for we wanted to show the whole of South Africa our capabilities and originality. Our Originality and drive prosper made us win.
What is the concept behind STYLAGANG? Any motto STYLAGANG stands by?
Our motto is ‘setting trends and making friends’.
The exposure and attention that STYLAGANG has been receiving just seems to get better better, as Cassper Nyovest was even seen rocking some of your gear in his latest Gusheshe music video. Are there any specific people who have a helping hand in pushing the brand or are you guys doing the promo work solo?
We used to work alone to promote our brand, using our Tumblr page, facebook and twitter, which got Cassper Nyovest interested in our work. Right now we are working with the STRCRD mentorship programme, which helps us in building our brand to match or even better international standards. We also have other local celebrities who are helping us out get our products exposed to the masses like Nomuzi Mabena (MTV BASE), Legend Manqele (VUZU TV), Kabelo Moremi (YOTV) and Merica Monamedi (YOTV).
There are many other competitive street brands out there that have gained a certain level of success/failure. What would you say really separates STYLAGANG brand from the rest?
Stylagang is an authentic clothing brand that is determined to install new style or new meaning of fashion to street wear. We bridge the gap between high end clothing and street wear clothing. We are more focused on creating items that people would like to own, so that it can complete their outfits.
Your aim is to “showcase a distinct look in your natural habitat”, according to your tumblr page, what inspirations help to create the look and feel of each item that you produce?
We are inspired by the things that we see around us, we like to take existing trends, incorporate them with our own distinct taste so that we can create future trends that people will follow.
What range of clothing does STYLAGANG offer?
One of the worlds creative t-shirts, well known as the Dashiki t-shirt. Crew necks/ hoodies, beanies, pants, leather tank tops, leather drop crotch pants. Snapbacks.
Where can one get their hands on some STYLAGANG clothing?
People can view our collection on our tumblr page. www.stylagang.tumblr.com, then they can drop their orders via email on: stylagang04@gmail.com or inbox us on facebook: styla gang, or Direct massage us on twitter @stylagang, and follow us on instagram : Stylagang
What can we expect in future? Any other projects taking place?
We currently working on limited edition collaboration with our friend/sister/ mentor @Antheaknowsbest a youth culture specialist. Working with Absolut Vodka, as will be showcasing our collection at their absolute fit event taking place on the 5th of September 2013, we are going to be hosting a blog party, still not sure with the date, but follow us on any social network of your choice for confirmed dates. We are also going to be formally launching our clothing Brand at Africa’s No.1 street culture event STRCRD happening from the 25-29th of September 2013.
One WORD that best describes STYLAGANG?
Vmswenko which is pronounced as Umswenko
Written by: Rudzani “RooAT” Netshiheni