Mmmm. No.

Thanks Jenn for highlighting an awesome clothing start up from Vancouver nonetheless. I'll be buying the Jennie and Sacred Diamond Tee today.

"gradually making itself a staple into anyone who's anyone's wardrobe. The great thing about To the Nines is that their clothes withstand trends, so while gladiator sandals and fedoras are a signature staple for many there's no telling how long these pieces will be "in style."

???????

worst attempt at advertorial ever. And since when did BR become a poor man's hypebeast. Who the fuck is this websies editor? you're an idiot!

sorry "websites". And I checked the about section, I guess there is no editor, so I guess this is excusable. Still...when you are going to unabashedly hype some brand subtlety is important

@ Miker, you may not like the product, but they are promoting a Vancouver start-up. That is a good thing. I thought it was a good piece.

I guess it's cool that people are getting free advertising on here, but all that stuff is ugly and tired. Like, it just looks like random cruddy faux-hipster clothes you can buy anywhere. Wow, a button-up shirt with some silk screens on it! Wow, that's so original.

It's better than doing nothing, but come on, none of that is original or interesting. And I bet it isn't cheap. Oh well, judging by the photos about 15 of their friends really seemed to have a good time.

This reminds me of the 80's in Vancouver when everyone claimed to be a 'graphic artist'. lol

Dime a dozen.

1181 is no better, everyone that goes there is a sales clerk that can't afford to drink. So they sit there in their cheap t's thinking they are going to be discovered but then end up going home alone wondering how they are going to pay their share of the rent this month. lol

Again people, this is not Milan or Paris. The only runways here are at the airport.

@ Andrea

That's about right. I find that too many people who live within a few blocks of main street are self-described "freelance designers" because they have a copy of photoshop they torrent-ed and they just figured out how to make their own brush effects.

There's plenty of great and interesting people who make clothes in this area. But what these guys are doing is nothing different or special - just more of the same. That "fashion show" looks like a snooze-fest.

this really, really, really sucks. why? are you guys really that desperate for a fashion section? man. if this is the best vancouver has to offer we're screwed.

@Urban Dweller

So they are from Vancouver.....so...? There are plenty of peeps making tees in this city, so I don't feel the need to embrace every streetwear startup in town. Are the tees manufactured in Van? if not, then its pretty hard to give a fuck about yet another line of tired ass graphic tees.

note for whomever owns this site - I hope Kronenburg threw you some dough.

@ Miker,

Fair enough. I liked the designs but that was me. I'm curious to see where the shirts are made. Probably Mexico or China.

Getting involved with fashion takes background knowledge, experience and dedication. Anyone can print whatever bullshit on a tshirt. How about constructing one that fits something other than a box? How about actually working in the bowels of the field to see what it actually takes? How about learning how to manage the business financially instead of thinking 'oh well, if I sell a lot of these t-shirts with the naughty lingo, it'll make me rich.'?
Its funny to see these kinds of businesses fail and then they wonder why.
Its similar to those 'celebs' that throw some half ass design on to fabric and try to make money. For once I'd like to see a celebrity actually sitting behind a sewing machine or drafting patterns.
It bastardizes the industry. I also like to make fun of those idiots on Robson that can't afford luxury items like Vuitton or Hermes but insist on carrying the fakes, its not fooling anyone. So should we take the person more seriously?

@ Urban Bitch

Why turn a post about a local startup into a space for you to rant mindlessly about unrelatd subject like fake luxe goods and celebrities? Go start your own petulant little blog if you want to do that. I'm sure it will be a big hit with precisely nobody.

And with regard to hating on these kids, what's the big deal? What do you know about their attitudes and business/financial practices?!?!

You know what its like to sweat it out in the 'bowels of the industry'? If you're so knowledgeable/experienced/dedicated then why the fuck are you (presumably) in Vancouver, and not Paris or Milan or NYC? Couldn't make it? What puts you on such a high pedestal that you can rain judgement down on this clothing line? Pissed that someone else is getting attention that you are not? Feel like Vancouver is your own little private domain where nobody else can try and make something for themselves?! Where's your fashion line and public show? This may not be the most original thing in the world but not everyone has to be the avant-garde. Their designs actually look a lot better than most of the shit you see on your average 'print t' anyways.

Keep rocking that sewing machine with your own (I assume) absolutely brilliant designs and save the fashion editorial to real writers. And in the meantime, please don't get too over-excited about a couple of local youth trying their hand at something new.

Mr/Ms Nobody Uniden, you really shouldn't assume.
Ever heard of criticism?
Fashion line...in Vancouver? Public space=1181, oh please. lol
Sounds like you aren't 'making it'. You see, the thing is, I've already made my $$$ and know what it takes without attempting to skip steps. Is that why you are so mad?
You must be very, very close to their situation. he he he

Don't worry, you and your friends will be A-OK. lol
Let me know when there is something 'new'. LOL

oh oh bitch bickering.

Personally I don't think the clothes are any big deal, but thats my opinion and I do know the people at 1181, their week nights are quiet so its not that hard to put on an event there.
I think what some people are saying here is good on you for trying but it could probably be better.
I also agree that this site isn't the place for fashion wanna be people. And had a chuckle about that comment of the only runways in Vancouver are at the airport.
I think there are better things to discuss and/or give thought too.
Was kinda a fluff article and now its taken on a life of its own huh?

I'm doing A-OK already, thanks. And I have indeed heard of criticism. I generally categorize it as something involving logical and intelligently argued points, not the garbage you wrote.

By the way, '$$$' doesn't equal success... I didn't ask what your financial credentials for offering opinions on the clothing were.

Uniden, I have a feeling you heard something you didn't want to hear.

I actually agree with many of the comments here in regards to why this piece is even on this site, etc. I don't agree with everything Urban Bitch has to say but I think what the person might mean is know what you do, educate yourself about it and don't be afraid to succeed or fail, you gotta admit there were some valid, intelligent and certainly logical points there. It appears that person feels they have succeeded by working from the bottom to get to the top and can probably write their own financial ticket now. Financial freedom?
Thats their thing.
I do know of plenty of people the same age as these designers that expect things to be handed to them either from parents or society without really grasping what it takes to earn those things.
If they are starting off small and this is all they came up with, well then the real test will be to see how long they last and/or create.
Let it go, who cares.

Wow, how about some grammar lessons?

Lesson #1 - The Dangling Modifier
"Organized by the wonderful team at Satellite Salon, their clothes were put on display..."

"Having made the goal earlier in the summer to have their first fashion show, supporter Dustin Bromley hooked the guys up..."

My eyes barfed when I read this post.

This shit isn't even worth the time and obviously feeble effort to be discussed.

@Dcortez (and the other haters) - your dislike for a piece doesn't have to translate into a bashfest. If you don't like it, don't read it. If you have a suggestion, make it count by having some respect.

Rick Dunlevy:

@Dcortez (and the other haters) - your dislike for a piece doesn't have to translate into a bashfest. If you don't like it, don't read it. If you have a suggestion, make it count by having some respect.

I disagree. If a piece doesn't belong, we need to know. I probably get the most flames on BR but thats what's great about the internet. For example, we never would have been blessed by the turn, "My eyes barfed when I read this post" if we had heeded your advice.

WHOA!
K, obviously I should check this more often.
I'm so ready for this. I've been snorting coke and lifting weights all day!

First of all, the whole "grammar" critique is so pathetic. Though I'll be completely honest and admit I wrote this in one go during my shift at work. But juggling three jobs and a full courseload, this piece isn't going to be given my undivided attention. So dear God, find something more constructive to say. My lack of grammar isn't the subject of this post. Though kind of ironic for an English major, ha. I'll be sure to work on it.

Also, why so much hate for a couple of young guys trying to start their own business from scratch? If you think it's crap, get over it and move on. If there are unappealing pieces in a store I'm not going to go out of my way to speak with the sales clerk and explain to her exactly why I hate them. They simply lose my business, and that in itself should be sufficient enough.

The shirts are printed in Canada by the way. I wrote this piece as support for two guys I've known for a while and have come a long way from a simple sketchbook they started last year. And yes, I do believe in their business, otherwise I wouldn't have gone out of my way to attend their event while I had work the next day at 6am, take photos, and help them out in any way I could over this past year. Rather than conforming to trends they're making their own signature style and whether people like it or not, I still respect what they're doing. Of course it's not comparable to any of the ridiculously overpriced stores on Robson, but it's not trying to be. Completely self promoted and self made, they've gone from making a few pieces for friends to gradually gaining a fan base and selling their products to local shops. Not bad for a couple of 20 year olds I'd say with absolutely no experience in the business.

I've enjoyed the banter for this post. Completely unexpected and most of it unnecessary. But definitely entertaining. And thank you to the few that have showed support for the guys. It's very much appreciated.

Good night.

I wonder how many free shirts Jenn got for writing this post? They're obviously your pals and you're doing them a favor. Or maybe they're people she's trying to impress... Either way, I know this is a blog and stuff but this is just an ad for your buddies. I know Sean likes to link to his own stuff and his friends blogs sometimes, but it's not like he just writes a big advertisement for his random friends band. I think this post has done more harm to BR than good and the comments reflect that.

Zero shirts actually.
And like I said, had I thought their stuff was crap I wouldn't have made the effort to get their names out there. I have plenty of friends in bands whose music is less than appealing, and you don't see me doing profiles on them.

No favours, not trying to impress or get into anyone's pants. I've profiled friend Andrew Salgado, and I think he's a great artist. Again, no favours, just opinion.

Yes, they're friends. Friends help each other out. I wasn't asked to do this, I offered. And though it's rare these days, it was a genuine offer without anything in it for me.

The site is meant to expose independent culture and talent within the city. That's fine if you didn't appreciate the way I approached doing this. And perhaps our views on talent differ and I'm not going to argue about that.

I can't believe this shit is even being talked about. Its shit.

Sketchbooks.
Independent culture and talent.

Thanks for the laugh.

Paying someone to silkscreen some American Apparel t-shirts for you does not make you a designer. It's also doesn't justify a $35 price tag! Weak.

-
sean Orr:

Rick Dunlevy:

@Dcortez (and the other haters) - your dislike for a piece doesn't have to translate into a bashfest. If you don't like it, don't read it. If you have a suggestion, make it count by having some respect.

I disagree. If a piece doesn't belong, we need to know. I probably get the most flames on BR but thats what's great about the internet. For example, we never would have been blessed by the turn, "My eyes barfed when I read this post" if we had heeded your advice.

Sean, you seem to be a bit of a masocist--writing just to see how many people you can offend. Not everyone gets their kicks this way.
I think people should speak up when they don't like a piece, but do so constructivly. I like BR and I appreciate most of the people behind it. I think that respectfully informing a writer that I don't like a piece will have a greater effect than saying "This shit isn't even worth the time and obviously feeble effort to be discussed".

sean Orr:

Rick Dunlevy:

@Dcortez (and the other haters) - your dislike for a piece doesn't have to translate into a bashfest. If you don't like it, don't read it. If you have a suggestion, make it count by having some respect.

I disagree. If a piece doesn't belong, we need to know. I probably get the most flames on BR but thats what's great about the internet. For example, we never would have been blessed by the turn, "My eyes barfed when I read this post" if we had heeded your advice.

Your argument is flawed, Sean: people say stuff like this to you all the time and you never change!

"The great thing about To the Nines is that their clothes withstand trends"

I know when I think "timeless classics," I immediately think of baggy-T's with over-sized graphics in neon colours. Beau Brummell owned that shit.

Zero thought has gone into that shit and it shows.

I think the 'haters' as they are assumed to be called have it right in this case.

Hi Peeps..thanks for the opinions. The idea of the nite D-F.A.M.E (Design-Fashion,Arts, Music Eclectic)-Gossip-Talk of The Town is about supporting local artists/designers. It can be difficult finding venues out there that will support an upcoming artist. I know this from experience.. as an artist/DJ. I DJ at 1181 on Thursdays and thought it would be a great idea to incorporate this along with my music.....Check out Stephen Harper he's cutting funding for the arts, as ordinary people don't want to see rich people enjoying themselves at an art exhibit..attitudes like can be damaging for people that want to express themselves..ToTheNines Clothing are doing that.. expressing their art who are we to judge..beside their t-shirts are reasonable priced and are great!!..FYI..1181's clientele are not sales clerks alot of them are artists,performers,journalist,stylists,politicians,professional athletes etc..and for those who haven't been to 1181. Here is the website. www.tightlounge.com .. come check it out is is a beautiful space..and is busy on Wed,Thurs,Fri,Sat & Sun. Thanks Jenn for posting this event and showing your support for your friends,1181-Gossip.

Anyone that you know who is a upcoming designer and would like to do a fashion installation for "Gossip" email me at glove2party@yahoo.com peace G