Pushing the fashion envelope that bit further, Gnarly Trippin combines slick sophistication with effortless cool. The appeal of the label lies in its fresh and fashion-forward outlook, a credit to creator Mayowa. “The label was borne out of my desire to have a label that was both elegant and powerful, so that both men and women could wear it with confidence.”
More than a mere label, Gnarly Trippin’ wear is the stuff of inspiration for today’s generation. “The label signifies a philosophy and purpose. The label’s mission is to confer power and elegance (borne of out confidence) on any and all who wear a piece from any collection. I want people to feel they are a part of a lifestyle when they wear Gnarly clothing, that lifestyle being ‘anything is possible’. The way the label sets out to do that is to create pieces with flair and intelligence.”
Flair and intelligence is something the Gnarly label has in abundance, especially given Mayowa’s vision and passion for fashion. Tired of the dull, repetitive state of men’s clothing, he decided to do something about it. “During a conversation about men’s fashion, a friend convinced me to turn my ideas/concept into a label. Also, as a child, I used to help my mother’s customers (she had a boutique) match their clothing and accessories, so I guess you could say I was born into fashion too.”
Speaking of his self-designed mythical half-horse-half-lion logo – the Triptaur – Mayowa explains, “Gnarly represents the power of the lion – which is also the top part of the brand logo – and Trippin represents the elegance of a horse – the lower part of the logo.”
Another thing that sets Gnarly apart from its fashion-savvy rivals is the invention of three different ranges: silver, gold and platinum. “The three ranges came from the reasoning that each piece, each design, is precious. The difference between the ranges is the number of pieces made per design: so a design from the silver range would be more accessible than one from the gold range, and one from platinum would be the most exclusive.”
As is the purpose of the label to inspire the ‘anything is possible’ ethos, it is fitting that Mayowa’s favourite design is called ‘Unknown Legend’. “That is because it captures what I believe what the label and – God willing – myself are: new, and therefore relatively unknown, but with great potential to change the fashion game.”
It definitely appears to be the case that Gnarly Trippin is taking those steps to greatness. With plans already in motion to stock the label in more UK stores, the label is set to expand in the overseas market, particularly in the US, Nigeria, South Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
In the meantime, the upcoming range of jeans is something that the Gnarly label is set to put its own creative spin on. The project is a well-kept secret of which Mayowa reveals, “The focus will be on elegance, class, comfort and style.”
With rising success, the future looks bright for the new label. “Gnarly Trippin has done extremely well. The label is already in a trendy Notting Hill store. It actually debuted in the store within a year of the label being created.”
Despite the economic climate, Mayowa recognises that the Gnarly Trippin label must retain its identity. “With the recession, it is essential that the plan going forward is robust, yet flexible, and that the label maintains its uniqueness and wow factor. That is currently what we are doing with the label.”
