We were just featured in Designnet’s latest issue.
Designnet is one of South Korea’s top design magazines, so we’re very flattered to be included.
English translation:
DN: Please introduce ‘2k by Gingham’ to our reader.
2K, a small company whose name was bestowed by Experimental Jetset, is stridently anti-mass marketing. Instead of spreading the name 2K, we aim to gain recognition through our vision of presenting the unique work of the artists we represent. Also, we carefully research garment fabrics, cuts, and details to create our own custom merchandise. We are extremely excited to introduce our new woman’s line of tops in the summer of 2010.
DN: How did you start a fashion business, and especially t-shirts?
2K: I didn’t start it, but here’s a little history:
In the early 90s, many museum and popular art design t-shirts began to be displayed in fashion boutiques in Japan. Playing upon this fashion movement, we were prompted to travel to research museums throughout the world. This, in turn, led us to a trip to the U.S. in 1995 to visit various museum stores in order to export and distribute their t- shirts in Japan.
Since 1998, our travels to find interesting artwork and images throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan have preoccupied more than one third of those years. By working with a select group of artists and designers there was newfound respect for our emerging t-shirt line and it had created a “buzz”. At that time, availability had been limited to Japan but inquiries as to where the 2K t-shirt line was available began pouring in from all over the world.
In the latter part of 2000, to expand availability with respect to this demand, we set up another headquarters in Southern California to start production and distribute the 2K line worldwide.
DN: You have travel to find interesting artworks and images throughout the world. What do you think the most interesting country or city to find image for T-shirts is recently?
2K: There is so much inspiring work being created all over the world right now, it is difficult to narrow it down to a single country or city. But most recently, England and Australia are producing strong graphic designers. San Francisco is going through another renaissance of brilliant multifaceted artists. Los Angeles is alive in ways it hasn’t been in decades. There’s such a great diversity of talent emerging from all over the city that it is a very exciting time to be in LA.
DN: When people wear 2k by Gingham’s t-shirt, what should they feel and how should they look?
Cool and Happy.
DN: How often you wear a T-shirts?
2K: Nearly every day.
DN: What do you think the coolest way to wear a T-shirts is?
2K: How ever you feel inspired is the coolest.
DN: There are many artists in the ‘2k by Gingham’. Please tell me who’s T-shirts the best seller is? And what do you think the reason is? And I would like to know what your favorite T-shirts is?
2K: We have so many artists working with us that there never really is a best seller. It’s a constant flux and we like it that way here. My favorite t-shirt is a super worn in King Sunny Ade concert tee from the 80’s. Well, it’s neck and neck with my Katsuo Design “Spaced Out” tee: which is getting re-released for fall on our new women’s raglan tee, so I can’t wait to get my hands on that one. I’ve also been wearing my Frohawk Two-Feathers Tatanka tee to death and… the list could go on for quite a while I better stop there.
DN: What are you working for nowadays? (And Thank you for answer these questions.)
2K: We are currently working on finishing up our collection for spring 2011. The line up is so amazing, I wish I could tell you about it now.
