Fashion: Interview with Andrew McCulloch from Stitched.
Please, tell me about Stitched.
Stitched is an online streetwear/skatewear store heavenly influenced by Karmaloop.com. Karmaloop is based in the States and is used by a number of New Zealanders looking to purchase brands and styles not commonly found in NZ stores. Unlike Karmaloop and other online stores in New Zealand we are looking to branch out and sell not only clothing but hardware etc like skateboards, grip tape, skateboard wheels and so on. We are trying to sell labels either not heavily sold online or not sold in the majority of NZ stores at all.
You’re launching a new online store, what inspired you to do this?
Two things drove me to launch Stitched. The main reason the idea came about was to have an online store controlled by myself to sell my own label 21Grams. I was sick of paying the costs of the online store and only having one label to sell. Stitched gave me the opportunity to not only be able to offer 21Grams for sale but other labels as well. The second reason we launched stitched was to give the people of NZ the opportunity to use a site similar to Karmaloop but without the large shipping costs and delivery delays.
How is it something new to the market of NZ fashion?
Stitched is bringing to New Zealand some more risky designs not commonly found on the shelves at your local skate store. I think some of the current NZ labels are a bit soft and extremely P.C. Stitched is not going to be like that. Designs like ABC’s “Skate or Die” tee with a topless picture of Kate Moss, and 21Grams design of the naked model wrapped in a sheet, these are the sorts of things you will find on stitched. We won’t be selling labels with outlines of New Zealand on them. There are some cool labels coming out of the states like “Dissizit” and “ZooYork”. These labels have a difference in their designs and personally we (21Grams) are heavily influenced by them. These are the sorts of labels we will be bringing to the NZ market.
Describe to me your own style.
If you were to look in my wardrobe you would never guess it belongs to one person. In there you will find everything from Gucci suits to baggy jeans and of course 21Grams gear. You have to be able to dress for any occasion so to say I had one style would be a lie.
What is your worst fashion memory?
That is a hard one. I don’t think anything good came out of the 80s but to be honest I am seeing some shocking stuff in today’s fashion for guys. Long baggy v-neck tees with tight short shorts and cardigans. Not cool! I am hoping this doesn’t last too long but each to their own.
Finish this sentence: I will never wear…
A v-neck. Sorry but it just aint going to happen.
What are your 5 essential fashion items?
- Armani Glasses
- A nice watch. It’s a must.
- I’m big on shoes, my girlfriend is always giving me grief about the amount of shoes I have. I’m a big fan of Lacoste.
- A good collection of suits is essential. You don’t ever want to be seen in the same suit more than twice.
- Last but not least would be a 21Grams tee. Of course I’m going to say that. It’s my label hahaha.
