CREATIVES 02 - ICED RAINBOW

It's time for the next installement of my 'Creatives' interview series, where I feature the independent brands and artists that deserve some extra recognition. This time round, it is quirky, handmade accessories label, Iced Rainbow, founded by the lovely Tom, who was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

Where did it all begin for Iced Rainbow?
It all stems from being a keen creative when I was growing up - always drawing and I loved art, cooking, music and woodwork at school.

What is the story behind your unusual brand name?
Well... we all like a bit of sparkle and colour right? So.... my name comes from the meaning 'anything iced in all colours of the rainbow'. I work with sparkle and colourful pieces every day. It also means I'm a colourful person, bright and bubbly, and I try to show that in all my designs.

What challenges do you face being a small brand?
Honestly.... like every business it doesn't come without its challenges, so I'd have to say its exposure and just making your brand/designs stand out.

Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspirations come from many things: nature, experiences, holidays and that my mind sees things in a different way to others, like all creatives really.

I love your Majestic Hare pieces, do you have a personal favourite?

Thank you those are actually a story in themselves, as for having any favourites well I couldn't possibly pick one but.... if I had to choose it has to be my new colour pop, monochrome and floral rings because they add a bit of quirky fun and style to any outfit.

You have an amazing range of jewellery, plenty of which is unisex. Do you have a particular person in mind when you design?

I wanted to appeal to men and women of all ages, so I based most of my designs on both. As for having anyone in mind when I make anything - except for what I think people would love - I just let the creativity flow, take note of what others want, or suggest, as well as taking note of current trends.

Your designs have been worn by the likes of Beverly Knight an Nicole Scherzinger. Who else would you love to rock some Iced Rainbow beauts?

I can't say that I've thought about it much but if I had to pick it'd have to be Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Kodaline, and Mumford and Sons maybe, just to name a few.

What is next for Iced Rainbow?

Just to expand my product range more, as most of my designs are limited edition.

So, next time you're thinking about picking up some quirky accessories, why not check out Iced Rainbow. Here are some of my personal favourites...

1.) Wings of an Angel Charm Necklace.
2.) Magestic Hare Charm Necklace.
3.) Fields of Gold Barley Charm Necklace.
4.) Men's Osiris Double Leater Bracelet.

Dont forget to follow Iced Rainbow on Facebook and Twitter, to get all the up-to-date news and releases.

What are your faves from Iced Rainbow?

 Stay tuned for the next installment in 'Creatives' coming soon...

Gems x

CREATIVES 01 - PERCYCUTE

Wearing the 'FlutterBy' Tee.

So starts my series of interview features of independent creatives - the brands, musicians and artists that don't get the support they so deserve, because they don't have a bottomless marketing budget.

I've made no secret of my love of streetwear (I will be dressing like a teenage skater until I'm 60), so when the lovely Karl, founder of one of my favourite independent brands PercyCute agreed to a feature, I was pretty delighted.

The streetwear brand creates unisex tees, tanks, sweats and jackets, with totally unique prints, sketched and designed by the man himself. Sometimes controversial, but always a conversation starter, it's streetwear for those who aren't afraid to make a statement and stand out. Let's get on to the questions...

How did it all begin for Percycute?

I have been a taxi driver for the past 20 years and in this time I have always drawn even while waiting between jobs in my taxi. My sketches became more intricate, so much so that people would get in my cab to see what I had been drawing. Many times people asked why I was driving a cab when I can draw like I do . So about 7 years ago  I decided to go back to college to study graphic design. I graduated 3 years later and then decided to try freelancing my skills as an illustrator, within this time I was getting more requests to provide t-shirt designs for other companies. After a year of this I decided maybe I should produce my own garments with designs on that did not conform to other peoples briefs, basically use my own imagination to produce what I wanted to produce, without limitation. The name Percy Cute comes form the word persecute which means to oppress as I felt I oppressed in my skills for such along time that the name suited the company I was starting. 

You're designs are seriously original, where do you find your inspiration?

The inspiration for the designs come from everyday experiences and my imagination - most of the designs have hidden meanings especially the intricate ones . Although I do find people see completely different meanings in them, as I tend to use objects to portray a feeling or word which are associated to the title of the design.

My favourite design is 'Spaceman'. Do you have an all time favourite?

My favourite design is my gorilla really its a self portrait , if you look at him he’s slightly moody with a could not care less attitude.

Karl's favouurite design, the 'Gorilla'

Streetwear is so huge right now, how will you make sure that Percycute stands out from the crowd?

I'm never concerned about what other companies do, but I do appreciate others work and my favourite brand are Hubert & Calvin . I don’t look to stand out, I look to produce the artwork that I love and put that on a garment and hope that makes me more appealing than others. The designs are all limited editions, I only make 30 of each design before I re-draw, change or retire the design.

Your brand is brimming with attitude, who would you love to see rocking your pieces?

I have had a few celebrities wear my designs but I suppose I would like to see Zayn Malik wearing them, and I know this sounds bizarre, but watching his desire for his artwork really hits home with me and of course he has a massive following. Sportsman wise, obviously Mr Beckham would be amazing and I would love Pharrell Williams to shine in a few.

What's next for Percycute?

Next on the agenda are caps - a few alternative cap designs along with the expansion of full all over prints. As for the company, the aim is to get the brand in as many independent shops as possible and make the general public aware of what we do .

I certainly can't wait for the introduction of caps, I'm a huge fan of a good snap back. Until then, I've picked out some of my favourite PercyCute pieces...

1.) My Headspace Vest.
2.) Grey Skull Jacket.3.) Bleeding Rose.
4.) Love All.
5) Spaceman.
6.) Effing Care Bear Vest.
7.) Gorilla Sweatshirt.
8.) Flutterby 1969.

Be sure to visit the PercyCute website and check out this awesome streetwear label's social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Stay tuned for the next installement of the next installment of the 'Creatives' series.

Gems x