The strange and wonderful world of JH’s designs have to be witnessed to fully encompass exactly where this rather dipsy yet talented designer is trying to take us, along a particularly untrodden path in the murky world of urban streetwear off to a gloriously pink and blingin’ land of fantastical baked goodies and hip hop toons that have yet to have been discovered by the world at large. My only real criticism is that there just aren’t enough of them (t-shirts that is) to get really stuck in here, but take a look at the future (I presume) of Justin’s world of character-based tees and I’m sure that you (girls with a penchant for over the top kitsch) will love what the guy is trying to do here!

Before I get on with the t-shirts take a look at these fantastic characters from Hustlin’s site who all happen to work there by the way!

My particular favourite is the first character who’s called “Doughboy” as you might have guessed, he’s supposedly the “Head Chef” at Hustlin’s and likes to bake 18 carat and ruby red cupcakes on his platinum-plated worktops. The other characters are The “Bear-Doe” Bear, Roxy McKilwain, Manny Da Man Manny, Pirate Jude, Mr Sofo, Super Syaman, Shacky Sweet Tooth and Dirty Dre. Now this bunch are perfect for all the future t-shirt designs that JH can muster but for now they’re simply resigned to a page on the website. Still it’s worth encouraging them to get a move on and who knows we may even get a few freebies (which we would give away in a competition of course).

Doughboy Tee

Here’s a great example of a JH tee, I’m not sure if I like the text at the footer of the image, it’s probably a case of rejigging the font, but the baked goodies are definitely a sight for sore eyes, and hungry bellies! Printing in litho plastisol and available in small to extra large sizes in black with no side seams! It also features a rather nice insignia on the back (as do all their tees).

If you’re still wondering what the hell is going on I’ll try and elaborate here, as Justin states on his Myspace page “Introducing His Royal Majesty, ‚ÄòJustin Hustlin’. A prot√©g√© at Dirty Denim, member of the elite ‚ÄòFly-or-Die academy’ and undefeated champion of the prestigious Hustlin High boxing club. A Graduate with honors from the School of Hard Knocks and model student whilst attending Hustlin High where he achieved first class honours in Fashion and Hustlinology.” Which fits rather nicely into the whole ethos of JH’s site and label, it’s a positive attitude injection from the word go, forget reason, dismiss habit, lose the logic, just think on the up and up, and who knows it might just happen. It’s hip hop folklore wrapped up in pretty package and it definitely works, the label has already been making waves in the UK, and are set to get much bigger in the near future. Aiming their wares at the independent fashion and department stores they’ve recently branched out into online retail, and here’s their crazy press release to prove it:-

“Fresh from ‚ÄòHustlins Bakery’ we proudly present to you the ‚ÄòDisposable Income’ series. Down here at the Bakery we’ve been busy cooking up some absolutely ‚Äòfilthy rich’ treats especially for you. This latest series brings to you delicacies from ‚ÄòHustlins Bakery’ such as ‚ÄòRuby Red cup cakes’, ‚ÄòIced rings’, ‚ÄòGem doughnuts’ and many many more rich treats, all alongside our world renowned head chef ‚ÄòDoughboy’ who is most certainly ‚ÄòGuaranteed to make your Doe rise’. As well as Doughboy’s limited editions, ‚ÄòThe Bear-Doe Bear’ has graced us with his presence in this series.”

Head Chef Tee

This is probably my favourite, it features Doughboy again in all his glory, simple, bold, beautiful. I love the colours, usually red can clash but the blue and white has really offset the tone. Very friendly looking character that should catch on for the future – just don’t mention Pillsbury! No side seams available in red soft cotton tee and screen printed to a high standard.

The first range is titled the ‚ÄòDisposable Income’ series which takes some guts considering we’re on the precipice of the worst recession since the 1930′s, still that’s positive thinking for you! The range is comprised of 9 designs available as limited edition t-shirts. Each design is carefully printed by hand using silkscreen printing and also the very latest in litho plastisol transfers. If you’re lucky you may see more of these available at your local independent fashion store, it seems there are actually 18 available, including hoodies and sweatshirts but I couldn’t find them for sale at their site :/

All Your Favourites Tee

Just in case you can’t make up your mind there are a whole heap of JH’s designs combined into one in this fabulous tee, screen printed and available in grey cotton again with no side seams! Hopefully they’ll consider creating a full colour version of this in the future, plus a whole heap more designs.

I wasn’t too keen on the Crest designs, which need a bit of work on the typography, and less of the self-promotion However the graphic tees are great and are bound to do well once they hit the USA. Overall Justin Hustlin offers tons of fun, great designs, a talented team, plenty of free wallpapers (if your’e addicted), and are most definitely a trendsetter this side of the Atlantic. I just can’t wait to see more from the bakery!