Behind The Beauty

"Its all about making something out of nothing" - 
Sheffield-based Our Kid Apparel tells us how they came 
this far.
by Ryanne Smith

Graphic design student Robin Harrison and Photography graduate Jack Alcock have managed to turn their fashion ideas into reality and are now running a successful online fashion business.

“The intention originally was to grow organically, and to take it as it comes. We did not expect things to happen this quick, lots of local people are working with us and helping us.”

Trading for just over nine months the pair work together and split the load equally 50/50. They do everything themselves to develop skills, show their creativity and to improve knowledge on the business side of things.

“We are not business men, we are still learning figures and taxes, it is a constant lesson and learning curve for us. But we want to build and expand upon what we are doing.”

Though still a relatively newcomer Our Kid has built up a number of clients and interest in their rising website. Their quirky and original style designs featured on their clothing are created from both the pair’s passion and love for the city of Sheffield.

“We produce things that we like and what we would wear, we take inspiration from Sheffield. We aim to target a smaller audience for people who appreciate the designs.”

The well-known northern endearing term ‘Our Kid’ keeps up with the Sheffield vibe, and embraces the Yorkshire culture. The vivid reflection of Sheffield reflects the down to earth feel that the duo gives off and they say it is all about ‘Creating something out of nothing.’

Jack who is originally from down South in Somerset has discovered his love and appreciations of Sheffield. “I was a stranger to the city when I came, here I found a home and a place that I love and enjoy.”

Supporting other local businesses the lads prefer to shop at the small boutique shops rather than high street and high end fashion.

“We have no faith in the high street, jumble sales, charity shops, and independent shops are more down our street. Not got much time for size 0 trend and the companies that are there just to make money.”

The cleverly wordplay ‘OKAY’ meaning’ Our Kid Apparel Yorkshire’ can be seen on many designs and again emphasises the Sheffield based inspiration.

“It is all about the quality of independent clothing. It is all about good designing and graphics that make our clothing pieces what they are. We do not want to be exclusive of people, we want to appeal to everyone in different ways. We use friends as our models and places around Sheffield to take our images.”

The original unisex clothing line have recently expanded and seen the introduction of a women’s range come to the website, opening up a whole new audience and targeting a range of different people.

 With the constant debate about the online fashion world taking over, the duo agrees that online fashion is the place to be right now.

“Online independent sellers make it easier in today’s lifestyle; people can now sit down and find exactly what they want. We now live in a world where anything is accessible, people stumble upon things online that couldn’t be found in a shop.”  

Although they are happy with their online business their hopes for the future is for a studio or boutique in Sheffield city centre.

“A studio is the next step so we can expand further, we need more space. Potential studios are in talks, we need an expansion but not too rapid, we want to take it slow. We also want to work with the artists within Sheffield to collaborate and progress with our designs and graphics.”

With the launch of their summer range out this week there is lots to look forward too within the world of Our Kid. The latest fashion pieces range from acid wash tees to stylish vintage jackets there is something for everyone of the independent and vintage world.

In five years times where do the pair see themselves and Our Kid Apparel…“We hope this will be our complete full time job, have set jobs and shipments, the company running itself. We want to have pushed ourselves and created more products and expanding further.” 

 

Find out more about Our Kid Apparel at their website

http://www.ourkidapparel.com/pages/about     

Follow them on Twitter @OurKidApparel   
Find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OurkidApparel?ref=ts&fref=ts