Why Chalk?
We wanted a name that reflected the fact we were a British label, we were connected to Brighton (which we love dearly) and we want to make 'tailored' streetwear. Hmmmm
So...we were walking by the sea near Brighton one day and a huge hand descended from the clouds and pointed to the chalk cliffs. Brighton is built on chalk, tailors use chalk to mark up their patterns and the white chalk cliffs are timeless symbol of Britain. So Chalk it was.
Why do you do?
We make fine typographic t-shirts featuring custom made and found type. A lot of the slogans and phrases we use come from the world of music, films and books. We are self confessed culture geeks.
We put a lot of love and attention to detail into everything we do. Two of our t-shirts feature over 300 song titles painstakingly researched and contain hidden messages for the buyer. Our t-shirt neck tags feature some of our influences from the art world on the underside. We are always trying to think of ideas that will intrigue our customers.
Who or what are your influences?
We have all worked in the music industry and get a lot of our inspiration from listening to (and making) music but we are also inspired and influenced by, for example, the lines of a vintage sports car, a great book, a Charley Harper screenprint or a stunning piece of architecture.
What sets Chalk apart?
The level of detail and insider knowledge we bring sets us apart. Not many brands would produce a t-shirt containing the 300 best tracks featuring a Moog synthesizer and then make sure every track was researched by checking the equipment lists on the original vinyl copies of the records.
We believe in doing what we do brilliantly not necessarily just doing it differently for difference sake.
Any plans for the future?
We feel we've only just begun but our long-term dream is to build a classic yet modern clothing company that is part streetwear, part sophisticated tailoring and part vintage sportswear. We are looking to produce our first 'cut and sew' piece in the near future. If any UK based manufacturers/factories are reading this - get in touch!
