I love to stumble across new and unique brands...and it's even better when someone I know has started it. Sarah Morton started Mien with her boyfriend Tom during the summer as a mini project. Tom's graphic design makes for some quirky illustrations, whilst Sarah creates bold prints and photography orientated t-shirts.
Sarah's Godzilla and Tree Designs
Tom's Peekaboo and Zulu Designs
Each of their t-shirts is screen printed by hand and would make fantastic gifts. They are currently hoping to rebrand so all Mien branded t-shirts are on sale from as little as £5...hand designed and hand printed for a fiver is a bargain I think, especially when you won't be seeing anyone else walking down the street wearing one. They're in the process of creating a website but currently sell via Facebook and sporadically eBay. Simply email them on mienclothing@hotmail.com to say hello or to order.
So...I am officially a student once more and diving into a project with Umbro. I am going to investigate many different things from trend and design inspiration to market research and the use of digital media within business. For my first task I need your help...
I am going to investigate the use of technology and design within other sports and see why/how the professionals within them are picking certain brands/materials/fit/colour and how it enhances their ability. The concept being that all sports are linked more than we realise and that brands focusing on a particular sport can learn from one another.
I think it's a really interesting starting point and so I am on the lookout to speak to competitive/professional players that know their sport and how to enhance themselves inside out. Know anyone? Jockey/snooker player/F1 driver? The more obscure the better really. Come on now, share and share alike. Only you aren't sharing with them...you're sharing with me. I'll keep your secrets if you want me to! After all, I am only a lowly student not an Umbro employee. Who knows maybe your help will allow England to finally get somewhere at the next world cup without showing us up!
Off to Umbro HQ in Manchester city centre on Friday morning. What's the likelihood I'll make a fool of myself? After all I know NOTHING about football. (Proper football American readers...not your twisted version of rugby :p ) I'm really excited to work with them, there's so much more to them than football that people don't even realise and the employees I've met so far have been amazing and so knowledgeable. Check out their blog to see what they've been up to.
