Prestigious Tees – An Esteemed Reputation

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The name says it all ThisIsPrestigious.org focus on the heights of perfection whether it be their fine art tees, their dedication to the environment and fair trade, their production process, or their gracious attitude to customer service, be under no illusion that this label means business in a new and forward thinking manner that matches up to expectations of their name. In the t-shirt industry, as with all commercial sectors, and to some degree in life, reputation is everything. If someone makes a promise they cannot keep there are those who are willing to forgive, but for the majority their reputation is tarnished by a lack of providence, no matter the reason or excuse. This Is Prestigious are well aware of the fact that to be a success in this cut-throat market one must make a lasting first impression, and continue to do so whatever trials and tribulations may cross their path.

TIP offer a refreshingly open and welcoming way of doing business, providing a straightforward store in a straightforward manner, holding their heads high in everything they do, in order to satisfy both their own personal needs as creative people and in offering an incomparable service that they themselves would expect to receive no matter what the sector. William Matte, Jr. along with a hand-picked group of select artists aim to raise the expectations of almost every aspect of the t-shirt market, carefully designing and producing products they know both they and their customers will be proud of, dealing with those who buy their tees as people rather than numbers, and making sure that their impact on the ecology is kept to an absolute minimum whilst in their own small way bringing attention to the plight of those less fortunate and the exploitative working conditions in many countries today.

Their t-shirts equate to an expressive collection of vibrant colour and sumptuous illustration that one would normally expect from the fine arts market, stretching the boundaries of what is considered the norm in urban fashion design and forever heading onwards to a broader horizon of historical and abstract influences in their exploration of perfect design. Their choice of colours, tones and hues reflect a love and longing for the glorious diorama of the American landscape, from the sun-kissed beaches to the busy metropoli to the Shamanic desert skyscapes beyond. Never obvious in their interpretations TIP have managed to walk a fine line between pure art and pure design. invoking more emotional than intellectual response in their loyal following and beyond.

This Is Prestigious – an apt description for a label with the highest of artistic and business sensibilities.

Talons That Spark Tee

Beautifully illustrated, though not overtly ‘fussy’ in realisation, Talons That Spark may not seem to proffer any particular message at first glance, however for me personally I see a highly subtle underplay of juxtaposed ideas here. The eagle in flight with wings spread, an important symbol for American culture, a bird of prey, a creature of enormous strength and power, and of course of freedom. California is a home to eagles too, (asides the band that is) and most likely is suffering a decline in numbers as much of the wildlife around the world is these days. There is also a hint of the phoenix about this image, rising from the ashes born anew, energy, power, ’sparks’ literally flying from its body. Something of a poetic representation of the ‘life force’ itself, a humbling thought that all that lives must die, and all that dies must feed the living in some form or other. Our bodies, as with all animals, once laid to rest provide sustenance for the earth, which in turn feeds flora and fauna, and food chain of the species of the world. A unique perception of the wonders of life and the brutal reality of survival. An inspiring piece, Talons That Spark is available for both men (S/M/XL) and women a(M/L) at $20. Both Printed on lime sweat-shop free American Apparel (as are all their products) and features a screen printed inner tag for maximum comfort and zero irritation.

Love Breeds Hot Deeds

A highly expressive illustrated design, I really enjoy the free flowing style of this t-shirt, Love Breeds Hot Deeds takes its cue from a scene in Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida and depicts the constant flux and fiery symiotic turbulence of the emotions of love and lust. For those who have found their significant other in the world there is no getting around the fact that one’s feelings for the love of your life will always sway between love and lust (and many others) forever more. The writhing of emotions, bodies, minds and destinies mark the path of true love for a couple destined to be entwined. This t-shirt perfectly mirrors the contradictions of desire and consummation, the natural path and growing pains of lust at first sight evolving into something far deeper and more meaningful as time and experience melds two minds and bodies together. Each with their own innate instincts, each with their own individual needs and desires, moving ever closer together in a bond rarely described with such elegance as the Bard. Love is not a compromise but an alchemical union of two spirits which will be tested to the extreme, but in essence cannot ever break the unbreakable union that only mortality will attempt to conquer. Even then it will fail. Fittingly available for both men (S/M/L/XL) and women (S/M) at $20.

Facade Tee

Facade is one of TIP’s newer releases and ingeniously uses fashion as a metaphor for fashion, which I find highly satisfying on a conceptual level, a case of self referentialism on a grand scale. The definition for the word facade or fa√ßade according to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary is as follows:-

1: the front of a building ; also : any face of a building given special architectural treatment.

2: a false, superficial, or artificial appearance or effect.

Fashion as with the media and almost everything in modern culture has a lot to answer for. The beauty of the surface has taken precedence in just about every aspect of our lives, those who look beautiful can be the spokes person for any cause or company, charity or corporation you care to think of, simply because their features seem ‘easier on the eye’ than those who are truly qualified to do so. The truth has for the main part no surface beauty, its appreciation is earned, as with all that is worthwhile in life one must work at a skill, or a relationship, a talent, an ambition, you name it, if it is handed on a proverbial plate its true value will never be appreciated.

I love what TIP are trying to evoke with this image, using beauty, the beauty of illustration, the structure of design, the ‘art of art’ to raise the question of the old adage ’seeing is believing’. Scientists have studied physiognomy for centuries now, however technology has almost allowed them to reduce it to a formula, one that most beauty products companies heartily apply to any marketing campaign. A god-like symmetry of the features, proportions of size and tone and colour, eyes that can make you cry, lips that can make you kiss, bodies that will guarantee lust, it’s a mathematical program these days. The media-induced reality we like to describe as life is a mathematical formula and most of us, for the most part, fail the test every time. A fascinating t-shirt, Facade is available for men (XS/S/M/L/XL) and women (S/M/L) for $20 – printed on mint green American Apparel.

New England Tee

This is perhaps my favourite of all Prestigious’ tees, New England, available for both men (S/M/X-L)and women (S/M), is the result of a collaboration between TIP and Derek Deal ( a highly respected illustrator and designer). I can’t say I know too much about New England however I know that at least one of the TIP team was born and bred there and has very strong feelings for the place. What I can say is this is a truly outstanding design, it wavers between so many styles it’s hard to put my finger on them, perhaps a little Van Gogh, a smidgeon of Gustave Klimt even, dare I say it a slight flavour of a Medieval Dr. Seuss, I am struggling here, but that for me is a refreshing experience. I love to be bowled over by design, and this has cleared all ten pins, it’s managed to avoid any feeling of tweeness or sentimentality, instead focusing on the beauty of nature, enhanced by a what seems to be faux woodcut effect, I am lost for words. Beautiful.

Raise your own expectations and stride gallantly to This Is Prestigious, you will not be disappointed, in fact quite the opposite. If I had a hat I’d be tipping it right now

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