“Chapz Clobber started as a fluke” That’s how founder Charles Cox humbly puts it, but we’re sure there’s a little more to it than just luck…
After being handed a sewing machine by his girlfriend and taught the basics before she went shopping, the skate enthusiast with no background or training in fashion was left to experiment with the kit for the first time. By the time his partner returned home, Cox had made his first bucket hat.
“Compared to now it was terrible” Cox reflects, however his girlfriend was suitably impressed. Initially she didn’t believe him, and another ‘told-you-I-made-it-hat’ was promptly made.
After listing the hat on the Facebook page Wavey Garms, Chapz Clobber’s first ever hat was sold. From there, more fabric was bought, more hats were made and more hats were sold. “In my first year of making them I sold over 240 hats and wore out 3 sewing machines.” Cox recalls.
Learning on the job, Cox self taught himself design techniques and sewing skills to, “make what I like and what I think others will like”. After many long nights and trial and error, the Chapz Clobber brand was emerging.
Cox’s aim was to create items tailored towards young adults and teens with a keen eye for tasteful streetwear. “Coming from someone who used to skate and who likes to go out, I feel like I design and aim for people who are similar to me.” Cox states.
The name Chapz Clobber was discovered by a chance eavesdropping between two city bankers in London, “Oh I do like that chaps clobber” Cox heard the banker remark. “When I heard that,” Cox said, “I always thought if I ever have a company I will call it that. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is definitely mine.”
Since it’s establishment in November 2013, Chapz Clobber has extended it’s product line of buckets hats to include t-shirts, 5 panels, jackets, rugby shirts, tailored shirts, ladies wear and ladies swimwear. “Oh and air fresheners!” Cox quips.
Chapz Clobber stays true to it’s hand made roots as Cox explains, “Bucket hats are made in-house by me and most of out screen printed designs are also made by myself.” Practically all products are made by hand including the hugely popular Coco Pops t-shirt, “the tee was designed as a laugh but people loved it so we produced it!” said Cox.
The brand’s next big venture will be the introduction of a range of streetwear and caps for cyclists. The new line, as Cox describes, “will allow cyclists to wear a t-shirt out to the pub and ride home safely as the design is reflective.”
Currently, the North London brand are only trading online, however they have received a successful response from pop-up shops last Christmas and have even taken part in two Crepe City sneaker events. They also plan another pop up shop towards the end of the summer. We’ll keep you updated on them developments.
Chapz Clobber is on the up, so head over to their website now to browse the collection and see for yourself.
Respectfully, we think fluke had nothing to do with the rise of this streetwear brand. Sure a little bit of luck here and there certainly helps… but talent, drive, and ability to consistently create desirable streetwear helps a hell of a lot more.
We look forward to watching the brand grow and hope you guys love Chapz Clobber as much as we do!
Images via Chapz Clobber
The post Independent Boutique Feature: Chapz Clobber appeared first on The Sole Supplier.
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