Attire Accessories - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 75)

68 Tell me a bit about how the company started. What was the aim of the label when it was launched? My cousin Martin Benjamin and I launched the company together, and it’s headed up by Martin. Martin is an industry veteran who ran the iconic Carnaby Cavern shop in the ’70s and early ’80s fitting out likes of The Jam, Blondie and countless Mod groups. I have designed club, street, jersey and tech product for major street brands and high street stores for three decades. Martin and I ran a successful streetwear and techno brand together in the early ’90s, which provides the authentic inspiration for Spill The Tea. Thirty years on, we are joined by the next generation in Matthew, Phoebe and Ava, who are working within the design and management team. It’s a family business. We have a Shopify e-commerce site, spillthetea.com , which launched on January 31 st , and we will be selling to independents and multiples, having launched officially at Pure London in February. How were the initial products developed, and what was the response? We sent out samples to several influencers ahead of the launch, and they are really loving the brand! We have had a fantastic response. Our accessories are from China, and the clothing is from Turkey. What sets you apart from your competitors? We aren’t aiming for middle-of-the-road safety. Inspired by teen subcultures from the ’80s and ’90s, we are a vegan-friendly, independent label and have collaborated with leading artists and creatives from across the UK to celebrate individuality and youthful irreverence. The blend of youth nostalgia with a current subculture voice gives the range an unpredictable, influential feel.