London-based menswear label Casely-Hayford recently asked us to print and re-label a series of t-shirts using DTG printing for their show at Paris Fashion Week.
This was our second time working with Casely-Hayford, having previously printed some t-shirts for their A/W 2013 collection.
DTG Printing is the perfect way to print photos, illustrations and other intricate full colour designs onto t-shirts, tote bags and hoodies. If you want to understand more about how the process works, as well as what garment finishing services we offer, check out our Direct to Garment Printing page.
We caught up with Charlie, one half of the father-son duo behind the brand, to find out more about the project and their plans for the future.
Q. Firstly, let’s talk about the series of t-shirts we recently printed for you. What was the idea behind these designs?
A. These designs were inspired by our interest in statement t-shirts that related to different aspects of British subcultures.
Q. With your father being a fashion designer, you effectively grew up in the industry. Was working within the world of fashion something you always knew you wanted to do?
A. No, not at all. I very much started off in the art world. I studied Fine Art in Florence and History of Art at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. It was only really while I was studying at Central St. Martins that my dad and I began to talk about working together.
Q. What is the best thing about working with your dad?
A. He’s a mentor to me, but he’s also keen to learn at the same time. It makes our dynamic really interesting.
Above: The ‘Kingsland Road’ t-shirt, printed by ICON, formed part of Casely-Hayford’s A/W 2013 collection
Q. Let’s talk about your working process. What is the first step you take to begin any project?
A. There’s never really a stop and start process with what we do. Our work is very much a reaction to what is going on around us in London, and also developing from one season to the next.
Q. What does an average day look like for you?
A. I don’t think I’ve ever had one!
Above: A look at Casely-Hayford’s first runway show, which took place earlier in the year
Q. What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A. I’d say it was our first runway show back in January. It felt like the beginning of the next chapter of our journey.
Q. And looking forward, what has the future got in store for Casely-Hayford?
A. Womenswear is on the horizon, but we’re in no rush to get there.