Rhythms: A Focus on Elvis Jesus detail

With the impending release of our latest collection, we're back to give you a look into all of the stunning couture detail that we stitch into every design. Today's tee, Rhythms, re-imagines the classic EJ applique technique by creating the laughing form of a famous Reggae icon.


The dynamic Rastafarian graphic takes center stage in this tee, with expert applique techniques being used throughout. Our designers have taken care to individually design fabric patterns for each portion of the applique, integrating cleverly hidden images into each pattern. The design features floral, polka dot and checked fabrics to add an unusual twist to a traditionally reggae image.

The laser-cut applique text is embroidered across the design in a variety of fabrics, while soft yarn embroidery details are found throughout for a couture finish.

Available in both light blue and white, this tee is a perfect compliment to any summer festival!

Elvis Jesus interview with Van Mildert

Ever wanted to know more about Elvis Jesus, how it works, what inspires us, and where we're headed? Van Mildert wanted to ask us a couple of questions about the inner workings here at our headquarters, and our Head Designer, Rakesh Jeeaooo, was happy to oblige. Below is an excerpt from the interview, for the full text click here.

How has the brand developed over the years?
Over the years Elvis Jesus has evolved from a company that makes graphic tees into a lifestyle brand that is innovative and clever. Our Pre-SS13 collection is really a distinct turning point in our design skills, where we use simple iconic images and give them an EJ twist. As a matured brand, we put an emphasis on strong concept, design work, and we put a high priority on lavish embellishment. High aesthetic value and quality is our main priority, while keeping cleverness and a reinterpretation of pop culture on the forefront of our designs.

So what’s new for SS13 and beyond?
Spring/Summer has bright colors featuring predominantly in our next tee collection, bringing an injection of vibrance into everyday life—the holiday vibe should make you feel good wearing it. We've gone back to an iconic element of our tees, using fabric applique as a heavy embellishment. Our roots in music play heavily into this series with a reggae vs. punk theme. Pin art and found object embellishment will also be a feature of this next collection. 

Elvis Jesus is more than just a tee shirt company, we're a lifestyle brand, and as we go forward we're focusing on every element of the brand. For our Autumn/Winter collection we are developing a series of skiwear and biker inspired outerwear pieces, mixing luxurious fabrics and using intriguing prints in all of the linings. Tweeds, leather and heavy jersey fabrics will feature predominantly in this collection as we gather inspiration from luxurious, gentlemanly skiwear of the 1920's.

In addition to outerwear, we are also building a strong accessories line featuring a series of couture belts that utilize non-traditional metal hardware as extensive embellishments. Padlocks, handcuffs and metal cufflinks will all play a part in our lifestyle collection. We are also releasing out first premiere fragrance collection for both him and her, which are debuting in April. We're looking forward to continue to expand our brand to encompass the entire lifestyle of the Elvis Jesus customer.

How do you find new inspiration every season?
We don't follow trends as a brand, instead we try to work with things we find interesting and exciting. Printed fabric patterns are always an influence, as well as a variety of illustrators and artists. The Elvis Jesus team is constantly discussing things that we like—we're bouncing ideas around and sharing intriguing things we've found in magazines and online, or great music that's inspiring us. Exploring new ideas, for us, is always paramount to following trends. 

Some tell me a little bit about yourself, what is your role within the brand?
I studied fashion design at university, specializing in surface designs, prints and graphics. I am the Head Designer here at Elvis Jesus, and I overlook the entire design process. I ensure we have smooth process from design to delivery and marketing. It's been fun for me to delve deeper into the design process, where I'm not just designing the prints and textures, but the actual clothing items themselves. 

Do you have any tips for aspiring designers / fashion PRs out there?
No matter what your goal is, you have to have passion for what you do. If you're not in love with what you're designing nobody else will be either—your love of and dedication to your work will be evident in everything that you do.

Who would you describe as your fashion icon?
Nick Wooster. One day I was searching for yellow shoes online and found this guy and thought “Oh shit, this dude! He's got the same haircut and the same beard!” He came out with this black suit, black pants rolled up and was wearing these amazing cool yellow brogues. Shit! He also wears the same waistcoat that I do.

This is a question we ask everybody, what was your worst fashion faux pas?
I hate guys going out in hoodies. The worst part is when you see very nice dressed up girls with their boyfriends in trainers and hoodies. The hoody is far to casual... take the time to dress up for a night out.

RIO visits the showroom

Music is one of the driving forces behind the inspiration and design in Elvis Jesus. From a constant soundtrack of tunes playing at the office and tee names hinting at our favorite songs and musicians, to graphics translating epic bands into intriguing graphic designs, we full incorporate music into our EJ philosophy.

With that in mind, we find great pleasure in collaborating with musicians and artists, either working together to design a tee that reflects their aesthetic, or by featuring emerging artists wearing our latest Elvis Jesus collections. RIO, a Manchester rapper, is one of those burgeoning talents that we're thrilled to be collaborating with.

This week RIO stopped by our Elvis Jesus showroom to check out our Pre-SS13 collection and pick a few choice styles for his upcoming gig this weekend. A hardworking and driven musician, RIO chatted with us while he browsed through our couture collection of tees, choosing his favorites to take with him. Obviously a man of style, he told us much of his fashion influence comes from growing up around fashion designers, as he expertly mixed our tees with limited edition EJ jackets to find the perfect style mix.

It's always a pleasure to work with such a variety of talented people, and RIO is no exception. We can tell he's going to go far, and we look forward to many future collaborations with him. 

Check out some of RIO's latest work here.

Inspired: The Americans by Robert Frank

A big source of our inspiration here at Elvis Jesus comes from photography. Often we're looking at images of rebels from popular culture, concert images of Jimi Hendrix or stills from videos of Bob Dylan. Photographs capture a mood and tell a story, relaying a certain emotion and energy that we're looking to convey in our clothing. But sometimes we stumble upon images that are not of famous people, but instead are of everyday life, telling a story more real than the pop culture that we are daily exposed to.

One photographer who has captured our attention is Robert Frank, a Swiss photographer working in the 1950s. After emigrating to the US he created his most famous photographic series, The Americans, in which he spent two years traveling across the United States photographing people on the streets, capturing candid moments that stand as a testament to the heated social tensions that existed among the American people at that time.

Taking gritty shots from unusual angles, Frank captured all strata of the American populace, showing an outsider's view of such a vast and evolving nation.

Take a look at some of his famous shots to get a real, unadulterated look into America in the 1950's, right as the counterculture and social revolution started to make their debuts.

For more images from The Americans, look here.

 

Keyser: A Look at EJ Detail

In our continuing series on Elvis Jesus detail, I'm here to bring you another sneak-peek of our tee, Keyser. This iconic movie tee is a triumphant reinvention of the class EJ pastiche. The customised poster image pays homage to a cult favourite in a full front, halftone print. 

 

Scribbled pictures and scrawling doodles are hand stitched over the top in textured relief to give a playful twist. 

The back is fully printed in the signature Guitar Cross repeat pattern, and the shoulder seams are embellished with safety pins for added detail. Taking an Elvis Jesus twist on an homage to a classic film, this tee defies convention. Only moments away from re-release, this tee, along with the rest of the Pre-SS13 collection will be available within the next few weeks. Stay tuned to grab your very own!

Pretty Vacant: A Look at EJ Detail

Back with another blast of Elvis Jesus detailing, today we bring you our epic tee, Pretty Vacant. This intricately crafted tee features a hand-embellished signature Elvis Jesus Guitar Cross. Hundreds and hundreds of safety pins in tonal metal colours and differing sizes are painstakingly applied and delicately places in an impactful, sprawling design which explodes across the front of the chest.

The base is printed front and back in an ornate floral design to give a frame for the dynamic graphic application. The swirling mass of safety pins circles the shirt and intermingle with the printed pattern.

 

This heavily embellished take on the classic Elvis Jesus logo is sure to turn heads and garner tons of attention. Who can resist the clever use of alternative materials, especially a punk sock staple like the safety pin? With a heavy rock and roll flair, this tee isn't one to miss! We're rolling out a re-release of this collection in early March, so it's almost time for you to get your very own!

Bullit: A Look at EJ Detail

Today we're looking at Elvis Jesus' take on a piece of film history, with our tee Bullit. Our proud pop culture heritage is honoured with a statement graphic inspired by another film legend. The print is given an aged treatment to evoke a real movie poster, which is juxtaposed with the fresh, dynamic use of embroidery. 

Colourful stitching radiates from Jesus' shades in an exploding star pattern bringing a new dimension to an old classic. Safety pins are hand stitched along the shoulder seams for added embellishment.

Inspired by and re-imagining classic iconography brings a new edge to one of our figureheads. Keep your eye on our website, because March brings this shirt back on the market!

Punkt: A Look at EJ Detail

Continuing in our series on the lavish Elvis Jesus embellishment found in every piece, today we bring you the design Punkt. This luxury tee is discharge printed with an elegant tonal snakeskin design. It features the classic EJ insignia conceived in textured fabric sequins which have which have been individually cut and expertly stitched into place, piece by piece.

The layering of embellishment gives a scaled reptilian effect, which is complimented by the tonal hues of grey and black.

 

 

There is no clearer way to show your Elvis Jesus allegiance than with this finely crafted tee. Creating an unmistakeable version of the traditional EJ logo, this tee lends a bold and graphic flair to our classic design. High demand has brought us to re-release this collection of tees, so keep your eye on our website to snag your own in March.

Droid: A Look at EJ Detail

I'm back to bring you another sneak peek into the fantastic detail that is hand-worked into every Elvis Jesus design. Today we are looking at a fan favorite, Droid. This Elvis Jesus reinvention of a rock and roll classic brings a dynamic twist to the iconic skull motif. Thousands of safety pins, selected in a range of metallic tones and sizes, are laboriously hand applied in an intricate layered design.

This creates a beautifully crafted, defined skull image. The sheen of embellishment is offset by the tonal discharge print to front and back, which gives a textured effect.

Taking a note from the classic punk rock style of metal hardware and safety pins adorning both clothing and piercings, this tee shirt lends a refined flair to a symbolic item. Our attention to detail is flawless, and our clever use of everyday objects guarantees that heads will turn as you walk down the street in this lavish tee.

Due to the overwhelming response to this tee, we are re-releasing the entire Elvis Jesus Pre SS13 collection in early March. Stay tuned to get your hands on one of these specialty tees and show your rocking style!

Elvis Jesus Manchester Trafford Centre

Elvis Jesus was founded in Manchester as an independent label and designed as a brand to break boundaries. The brand has successfully placed itself in the market as an edgy but sophisticated brand, likely to be found on the backs of Rolling stones legend Ronnie Wood through to current day band like the Futureheads.
Within the UK, the brand is currently stocked in the likes of Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and General Store, Deansgate. Their first ever, UK, stand alone store is located  on lower Peel Avenue.
The Elvis Jesus Trafford centre store stocks the  full EJ collection  and classic cult pieces, a definite must visit when your in Manchester.
With such boundary breaking attributes and forward thinking designs, Elvis Jesus’ pop up shop will not disappoint.