Shiroi Neko Tattoo Tees
July 13, 2008
I used to believe it was a cultural stereotype, that so many Japanese people have such incredible illustration technique, but here’s yet more proof that there might be something in it after all. Shiroi Neko (Japanese translation “White Cat” -meaning luck) produce some of the most beautiful tees I’ve seen in years, and in a way their work is almost too good for the humble t-shirt, or even tattoos for that matter. I’d almost rather see their work as wall hangings, although in my house it would be tricky to find the space with all my retro prints I’ve collected over the years.
Nevertheless I’m proud to say that labels like Shiroi Neko are raising the stakes in the t-shirt market, their incredible eye for detail is a must for any savvy fashion buyer looking to add more impact to their show, these are the kind of t-shirts I expect to see sported by Hollywood celebrities, let’s hope they have to pay money for them, because sheer talent should carry this company into the big league.
I’m particularly impressed by some of their “blended printing” techniques using various acid treatments, as well as vintage-look t-shirts to complete the authenticity of their look. Their designs are influenced by “retro tattoos, vintage Manga and western culture aesthetics.” They are also politically motivated and actively promote worker’s rights and environmental concerns.
You can buy all of their designs at BlueBaldur.com if you see any you fancy any of these:-
L.A. Dink T-Shirt is basically a gorgeous t-shirt design. What makes it especially lavish is the incredible detail on the back and besides at just $38 this has to be one of the biggest bargains in the t-shirt industry. You just can’t buy this quality at this price and in all honesty it puts a lot of t-shirt labels to shame when you consider the work involved in comparison to the costs incurred.
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Stone 67 is another classic tee, appropriating the Rolling Stone’s image (I’m hoping they’re licensed - or maybe the copyright doesn’t cover Japan?), and rhinestones, actually gives this iconic standard in music merchandising a seedier/fleshier look than usual. Almost akin to a bumped latex sheath one might find on most items in an Amsterdam sex shop, adding lurid tactility to what must be one of the most famous designs ever drawn. Once more they afford us a front and back design, although the rear of this tee isn’t as spectacular as I’d have expected, but overall top marks!
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One more and then I need my Sunday Dinner lol. This one’s Ford Mercury, it doesn’t have a back detail but it’s still a incredibly cool. I don’t particularly like cars, I’m not an engines type guy, but the retro snazziness of this little number grabbed me straight away.
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There are plenty more available via their distributor Blue Baldur. Anyone celebrity spotted these tees? I’d like to know if my suspicions were right, SN’s tees definitely look the part!
Technorati Tags: tattoo tees, tattoo t-shirts, tattoo vectors, Shiroi Neko
I have a couple of them. I doubt they are Japanese as it’s impossible to find any info in Japanese about them. They’re based in Bangkok and Sweden it seems. I would guess it’s a Swede with contacts within Bangkok that has started a “fake” Japanese design brand. I also found a lot of Germans selling it from E-Bay.. The shirts are almost identical copies of other brands as “Christian Audigier” , “Ed Hardy” and “Illicit Clothing”.. Most of the shirts look real good and some are even cooler than the originals.. but you have a couple that are strangely bad looking design wise.. It doesn’t seem like typical thai copies though. I have yet to wash the ones I have as I didn’t use them yet. But I will do so later this week to check if the material is quality or if it shrinks as most other Thai produced shirts. They usually print their copies on low quality cotton that shrinks in a washing machine, but is usually ok if you hand wash. Most Thais who buy copy-shirts don’t have washing machines so they don’t have a problem with it.
You can find the shirts several places in bangkok for about 5 Euros or $8.. I bought a couple on e-bay from Thai sellers for $3. Or you can buy them from bluebaldur for £38..
They are all the same.
I doubt you will see any celebrities with them as they are very into Christian Audigier’s clothing ( He also designs Ed Hardy clothes) and will spot the copy quickly..
They also have shorts, caps, flip-flops.. You find it all on e-bay.. The shorts are really nice!
Some examples of the design copies they have made :
[IMG]http://i35.tinypic.com/rk8qbt.jpg[/IMG]
They still are pretty cool shirts though.. Can’t get better for $3 Hehe..
MrP
Yet another tourist full of prejudices coming to Thailand buying copy-clothes and then complaing about the low quality.
What do you expect for 3 $? Super quality?
Only tourists and the poor buy those T-shirts.
I’m from Thailand and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t own a laundry machine. Only homeless people in Thailand doesn’t own a laundry machine (cause they have nowhere to put it).
You have probably seen one of those paintings with women cleaning there clothes in a river. F Y I, the motifs are from the time when the laundry machine was not yet invented.