Norse Projects: Unleashing the Essence of Nordic Style and Sophistication
Coveted Scandinavian streetwear label Norse Projects have gained a loyal following of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Rooted in the fashion-conscious city of Copenhagen, Denmark, Norse Projects embodies the same elements for success that have taken its fellow Northern European brands such as Acne Studios and Wood brands to new heights. With clean cuts and minimalistic designs that prioritise quality and versatility, Norse Projects has become a prominent player in the international streetwear scene.
Who are Norse Projects? A History:
The rise of the brand can be attributed to the creative minds behind Norse Projects, owners Anton Juul and Mikkel Gronnebaek, two Scandinavians whose shared passion for skateboarding and creativity inevitably led to their collaboration across Norse’s 14 years. Their meeting in Copenhagen sparked the idea of bringing the underground artist and skateboarding culture to their own streets. In 2002, they opened a store focused on streetwear and footwear, quickly becoming one of the most respected destinations for urban fashion.
Rapid Rise:
Driven by a flair for design, Juul and Gronnebaek launched their own clothing line, Norse Projects, in 2009. The brand’s name derived from their successful boutique, instantly resonating with a market hungry for their unique style. Norse Projects started by offering functional and high-quality basics that embodied the essence of Scandinavian aesthetics with subtle streetwear influences. The debut collection was met with overwhelming praise, leading to the brand’s expansion while staying true to its core values of simplicity and quality.
Authenticity and Timeless Design:
What sets Norse Projects apart is their unwavering commitment to their own unique direction. They remain focused on functional clothing that represents the best of Scandinavian fashion. Each piece is meticulously made in Europe, showcasing the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship. This has earned them a devoted following of fashion connoisseurs who appreciate their attention to detail and timeless designs.
Urban Legends:
Today, Norse Projects has become a dominant force in urban styling. Collaborating previously with renowned brands like New Balance, Adidas and Barbour, they have developed their own sneaker line and in opting to utilise Gore-Tex, Pertex and Vibram recently, have really upped their construction game. Their distinct blend of authenticity, Scandinavian inspiration, and diverse offerings make Norse Projects one of the most sought-after streetwear brands.
Explore our range of clothing and accessories online or in our Sunderland store and join the ranks of fashion enthusiasts who have made Norse Projects their go-to brand for capturing the essence of Northern European street style.
Shop our range of Norse Projects clothing and accessories online or in our Sunderland store.
A Modern British Classic: Unveiling the Essence of Folk Clothing
A brand that seamlessly blends contemporary style with traditional craftsmanship, Folk have quickly become a cornerstone of British fashion and casual streetwear with a reputation for impeccable design, quality materials, and attention to detail. Learn more about their history, commitment to quality craftsmanship, and how their designs capture the essence of British fashion.
Who Are Folk Clothing? A History
Founded in 2002, Folk Clothing draws inspiration from the rich heritage of British fashion. Rooted in classic tailoring and refined aesthetics, Folk seamlessly integrates traditional elements with modern, clean-cut sensibilities. This unique fusion has allowed the brand to carve its own path and gain a devoted following of like-minded fashion connoisseurs.
Crafting Excellence:
At Folk, every garment is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship. With meticulous attention to detail, each piece is constructed using the finest materials and techniques. From the selection of fabrics to precise finishing methods, Folk ensures that every item reflects their dedication to creating clothing that stands the test of time.
Timeless, Effortless and Very British:
Folk Clothing has mastered the very British art of creating timeless designs that transcend fleeting trends. Their collections feature clean lines, minimalistic silhouettes, and understated elegance. By embracing simplicity, Folk allows the wearer to make a statement through understated subtlety, showcasing the inherent beauty of well-crafted garments. Whether it’s a perfectly tailored shirt or a meticulously crafted knit, Folk’s designs effortlessly capture the essence of British style.
Versatility First:
One of the key aspects of Folk’s success lies in their ability to create versatile pieces that effortlessly transition from day to night, from season to season. Their carefully curated collections offer a wide range of garments to be mixed and matched, allowing individuals to express their unique style with ease. Folk aims to make quality fashion accessible to all, ensuring that their designs can be enjoyed by fashion enthusiasts on any occasion, from all walks of life.
Promoting Individuality:
Folk celebrates individuality and promotes personal expression. Their garments serve as a canvas for self-expression, allowing wearers to infuse their own style and personality into every outfit. With their versatile designs and impeccable quality, Folk empowers individuals to create their own unique fashion narratives.
Folk represents the epitome of British fashion, combining heritage with contemporary style. With its commitment to quality craftsmanship, timeless designs, and celebration of individuality, Folk has established itself as a prominent brand in the fashion industry. Embrace the essence of effortless British style with Folk at Aphrodite In-Store and Online.
Stüssy is an undisputed heavyweight in the world of streetwear, known for its bold and uncompromising designs that have left a major mark on contemporary fashion. From its gritty origins to its global dominance, Stüssy continues to captivate urban fashion aficionados worldwide, setting the streets ablaze with its unmistakable style.
Who Are Stüssy? A History:
Stüssy’s story starts in the early 1980s when Shawn Stüssy, a rebellious Californian surfer, began etching his signature onto custom surfboards. The iconic Stüssy logo quickly became a coveted symbol among surfers and locals, igniting a wildfire of demand that pushed Shawn to expand his creative horizons. Channelling his raw artistic energy, he screen-printed his logo onto tees and sweatshirts, birthing the legendary Stüssy brand.
Impact on Streetwear:
Stüssy’s impact on streetwear is seismic. It injected a shot of adrenaline into the veins of casual fashion, transforming it into a vibrant form of self-expression that thrived on the gritty pavements. Blurring the boundaries between fashion and street culture, Stüssy birthed a new aesthetic, fusing skateboarding, surfing, hip-hop, and art into an explosive fashion statement. Their signature graphics, daring colours, and laid-back silhouettes became the battle cry of streetwear, inspiring legions of imitators and revolutionizing the fashion landscape.
Collaboration Kings:
But Stüssy didn’t stop there. Collaborating with visionaries from diverse creative realms, the brand unleashed a torrent of collaborative collections that have pushed boundaries and challenged conventions. Partnering with luminaries like Futura, Kanye West, and Nike, Stüssy injected fresh perspectives into their designs, creating a perpetual whirlwind of innovation that kept streetwear hungry for more.
Influences and Cultural Significance:
Stüssy draws inspiration from the streets and beyond, weaving a tapestry of global influences with the vibrant fabric of California culture. Surf, skate, punk, and hip-hop converge in a blazing fusion that sets the world ablaze. Stüssy’s ability to channel the spirit of various subcultures into wearable fashion has elevated it to cultural icon status.
But Stüssy’s influence doesn’t stop at clothing. It permeates art, music, and lifestyle, creating a gravitational force that draws like-minded individuals into its magnetic orbit. It has shattered the boundaries between these realms, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and nurturing a community of rebels, misfits, and tastemakers who share an insatiable hunger for streetwear and the vibrant subcultures it represents.
Stüssy’s journey from local surfboards to global streetwear dominator is a story of unbridled rebellion and an unwavering commitment to style. Its fearless designs, inspired collaborations, and unyielding spirit have shaped the streetwear landscape, leaving an indelible mark on fashion and popular culture. Stüssy’s unrelenting dedication to capturing the essence of street subcultures and translating them into garments oozing with attitude has transformed it into the ultimate symbol of authenticity and self-expression. As Stüssy continues to evolve, it remains an unstoppable force, pushing the boundaries of streetwear and setting the streets on fire with its distinctive style.
Discover our Stussy Clothingrange at Aphrodite Clothing Online and In-Store today.
Autry joins the footwear line-up at Aphrodite clothing…
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Autry Footwear History
Introduced to wardrobes in 1982, Jim Autry founded the timeless pairs that are Autry trainers. Focusing on tennis, running, and aerobic-style trainers, he created casual footwear that would always sport the American flag on the side of the shoe. Autry won several awards during the 80s for their innovative and technical sports shoes, as well as being rated 5 stars by the Runner World magazine in 1987. The popularity of this shoe spiked at just the right time, it was a period where there was a lot of clout around wearing a trainer as an everyday shoe and not just for sport. Autry did just that, from being a shoe that was originally marketed as a tennis shoe to an 80s casual trainer phenomenon.
While the success of his footwear brand was just blooming, the footwear creatives took a step back in the 90s when founder Jim Autry sadly passed away, and no descendants were interested in carrying on the legacy, leaving the brand to be off the radar for 20 years. It wasn’t until 2019 that Autry was picked back up by Alberto Raengo and his two business partners, alongside Patrizio de Marco, the ex-CEO of Gucci and Bottega Veneta. After being known as the “shoe with the American flag”, Autry returns as just that in their comeback, still sporting the American flag for their signature look, also bringing in some 80s aesthetics.
Autry’s Designs
The reintroduction of Autry has seen reimagined styles of their iconic models, keeping classic 80s designs and great craftmanship throughout, the designs have hardly changed since the debut. Perforated vamps, vintage layered details, and minimal white leather combine to create a modern take on the pieces that Jim Autry introduced to the world. Aesthetically, Autry trainers are sleek and timeless, a pair that you can’t help but come back to. They go with everything, and the un busy silhouette has also allowed for the brand to experiment with colours to the uppers and the soles, while its vintage-esque designs have come around at a perfect time in fashion where the 80s and 90s are starting to repeat themselves.
With a timeless aesthetic and easy to wear visual, you can pick up a pair of Autry Trainers online at Aphrodite Clothing.
Known for their diverse line of styles suitable for hikes, worksites, and casual wear, here at Aphrodite were are proud to stock such a forward-thinking brand with aims to actively work to incorporate change within the industry, Keen Footwear.
Keen Footwear was founded in 2003 in Portland, Oregon, and was named ‘Launch Of The Year’ by the Shoes Industry Leading Trade Publication. The following year the brand completed many projects to help out in the industry, including getting more young people into the outdoors, protecting land for its environmental recreational value, and giving bikes to children in need. Keen Footwear strives to create quality products while building trust through their actions, and within their first year of production, Keen Footwear had already built a reputation by supporting a range of good causes, while improving on the brand’s hybrid innovation and striving to make new possibilities.
Keen Footwear Styles
With such a diverse product line, Keen Footwear offer shoes, such as the Keen Uneek Sandals, for outdoor and water-based activities including kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and many more, their objective is to refine their products and aim to find even more solutions for life’s everyday needs, whatever that may be. The first pair of Keen Footwear sandals were designed to cater to a niche market in adventure water shoes, however, it didn’t take them long to realise that people appreciate the all-around protection for day-to-day casual wearing.
Keen’s Global Influence
While the brand has taken off massively, the company stays true to its humble roots, with the headquarters still in their hometown of Portland, with only 100 employees, Keen Footwear is a brand that’s values remain the same, this sets them apart from a lot of manufacturers.
Keen Footwear strongly believes that healthy living starts with products that promote a healthy lifestyle, and with that has to come comfort. Throughout their product range, Keen Footwear offers a wide toe box that ensures a comfortable fit and extra room, and to prove just how good, two travellers put them to the test. In 2020, they went on a 465-day trip around the world, 15 months of walking around 38 countries and 5 continents, wearing Keen Footwear the whole duration. Withstanding the elements in the snowy Swiss Mountains, at Everest’s Base Camp, and in the African Safari.
Join in on the Sandal goodness and find your pair of Keen Footwear at Aphrodite now!
Moncler Genius is the brand’s latest venture into the fashion world. Displaying non conformity to the typical rules and barriers of the industry, Moncler have decided to take what can only be described as a ‘genius’ new approach to fashion and design. Learn all about the new sub-brand in our Moncler Genius Brand Guide below.
What is Moncler Genius?
Remo Ruffini conceived Moncler Genius as a hub of creativity in which a variety of exceptional designers can portray their creative individuality in unison. The company uses the classic Moncler down jacket as a blank canvas, to be used and molded into the artists vision, while also offering bold approaches to other items of clothing within the same collections. Ditching the bi annual collection release that is commonplace for fashion houses, Moncler’s Genius project instead opts for a monthly launch of products, creating a bond with the consumer through the artistic expression of talented designers.
What do Moncler Genius’ Numbers mean?
To visually aid the consumer with their understanding of Genius, Moncler presents their sub-brand as a building that is comprised of eight separate cells. Here each cell is numbered, numbers do not create a hierarchy but instead offer a different approach to fashion, a unique outlet of design.Each cell creates the beating heart of Moncler genius.
Each number possesses a different artistic expression, a different meaning and most importantly, a different uniquely talented designer spearheading their approach into a distinct creative outlook.
1 – is for pure essence
2 – is for pop trademark
3 – is for playful flair
4 – is for pragmatic femininity
5 – is for dress as habitat
6 – is for wearable geometry
7 – is for subcultural subtleness
8 – is for going viral
Every cell is interchangeable, with Moncler Genius interacting with different designers over the course of the seasons, two of the mainstays however, seem to be 2 Moncler 1952, and 3 Moncler Grenoble.
2 Moncler 1952
Moncler 1952 takes the brands classic pieces and remimagines them with saturated pop colours and contrasting large logos. An homage to the brand and its significant history, Moncler 1952 offers a fusion of creativity and technical research.
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3 Moncler Grenoble
Offering a playful approach to their garments with an array of textures, prints and fabrics Moncler Grenoble assumes a technical quality with a peculiar sophistication.
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Moncler Genius offers pieces like no other, garments that can be seen as wearable works of art, where form and function combine. Definitely a brand worth buying into, Moncler Genius is available to shop online and instore at Aphrodite Clothing.
Outdoor experts Snow Peak are known worldwide for their superlative camping gear and accessories. And while the Japanese outfit now offer a wide range of specialist gear, they originally came from humble beginnings.
Who Founded Snow Peak?
Snow Peak was founded in the shadow of Mt. Tanigawa, where a young Japanese man, Yukio Yamai, repeatedly challenged himself to climb the dangerous and rocky terrain it offered. Yamai grew discontent with the climbing gear that he possessed and so he set off to make his own equipment, creating the brand that would soon become Snow Peak. With an array of expertise and the fine craftsman of Tsubame-Sanjo at his expense, he began to remake and remaster camping and climbing gear into the fine pieces of gear that Snow Peak sell today.
Why is Snow Peak so successful?
Snow Peak’s success can be directly attributed to the brand’s ability to create functional, durable and high quality pieces. Utilising the finest materials such as titanium and aluminium, and combining that with the quality and care of local Japanese workers, Snow Peaks gear leads the industry by some distance when it comes to premium outdoor accessories and apparel.
Snow Peak Accessories
If your in need of some good ol’ camping gear, you’re in need of Snow Peak! The brand offer everything you could possibly need on your outdoor ventures, from their ‘Takibi Solo’ fire stove, Fireproof Mittens and Tongs, to the Foldable camping Chair, flasks and bottles. With an array of their well-made, lightweight quality pieces, you’ll truly be set for whatever mother nature throws at you.
Snow Peak Clothing
Snow Peak as a brand originally focused their attention on producing outdoor gear and accessories, it was only in 2014 when the founder’s granddaughter suggested starting an apparel line that the brand step into the world of clothing. Correlating with the company ethos, their initial clothing range focused on pure quality, with versatility, functionality and durability at the core of each garment that they made. A wide range of pieces are available, ranging from waterproof jackets and breathable tees, to rugged trousers and warming hats.
Aphrodite’s curation of Snow Peak currently offers some of the finest pieces of outdoor gear, with clothing arriving very soon!
Founded in 2004 by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion, French brand VEJA offer a unique and sutainability-concious approach to footwear.
The Creation of Veja
Who made VEJA?
Veja started when Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillionwanted to reinvent a product, they decided that the most symbolic object of their generation was the simple trainer and so they set out to deconstruct it and recreate it in a completely different way, the right way.
Both Sébastien and François were amazed by the way that other brands produced their own trainers, pushing 70% of their financial backing to marketing and outreach, and only 30% to the raw materials and trade routes used. In their eyes this was wrong; As their company started 100% of their funding went towards the quality materials, and the people who farmed them. This was their idea of economic justice.
The founders identified Brazil as a country that produced all of the raw materials that they would need to create its trainers, and laws that protects their workers. They personally set off, exploring the production methods, and finding the best materials that offer both physical and economic sustainability. To Veja there are five steps, five locations that allow the company to thrive.
Brazilian Serengeti – This is where they found their Amazonian Rubber, the organically sourced material makes up the sole of over 40% of Veja’s trainers.
Nordeste – Here they found farmers who produced cotton in a agro-ecological way, without pesticides and without fertilizers. To secure a partnership with the farmers, and to keep aligned with their fair trade views, Sébastien and François paid double the market value of the cotton that was made.
Sao Paulo – Veja wanted to create a more sustainable alternative their cotton that they could use in their trainers if it was needed. This led to the creation of ‘B Mesh’. B Mesh is a thin fibre, produced by crushing up plastic bottles and spinning them out into a weavable thread. This can make a breathable and durable trainer with no negative ecological impact.
Porto Alegre Sneaker Factory – Here Veja relies on local workers to craft their trainers, they selected the district due to its strong social rights where workers work reasonable hours and get paid more than a living wage.
Bonneuil-Sur Marne – In the founders’ home country Veja needed a logistical hub. They partnered with a social reintegration organisation that employs vulnerable people to organise the distribution of their products all over the globe.
These five places are at the heart of everything that Veja do, offering sustainability, equality, fair working conditions, ecological production and more. The brands ethos is sustainability, Veja which literally translates to ‘look’ in Portuguese, encourages its consumers to look behind their products, how they were made, what with, and how those who made them are treated. This is the brands effort to reinforce the economic justice they so strongly believe in.
Veja Styles
Because of their story and effortless style, all of Veja’s trainers are absolutely quality. With that being said, if we had to pick we could narrow it own to about three silhouettes. The veja campo, Veja rio branco and Veja Esplar.
An essential trainer destined for your footwear collection. The Campo model offers a flawlessly elegant silhouette.
A ‘Chrome Free’ leather upper houses Veja’s playful ‘V’ logo. Accents to the heel and gold foil ‘Veja’ branding adds character to the shoe. While a cushioned lining provides pure comfort, a luxury often overlooked when it comes to leather trainers. An amazonian rubber sole houses the premium upper and provides a well suited, subtle contrast in the trainer’s colour scheme.
‘Chrome Free’ leather constructs the shoe’s upper: with its provenance in Brazilian cattle farms, the smooth and light material is produced using a unique and innovative tanning process. The removal of chrome, heavy metals and dangerous acids in its creation leads to reduced waste, chemicals and energy usage. Water is saved during the process too with a 40% reduction in the amounts used.
Rubber and rice waste make up the ‘V’ Veja branding and organic cotton fabricates the trainer’s laces, while the insole provides comfort through a combination of materials such as amazonian rubber, recycled E.V.A, organic cotton and sugar cane. Recycled polyester adds soft padding to the insole and the outsole is made up of a blend of Amazonian rubber, recycled rubber and rice waste.
Made in Brazil, Veja keeps sustainability at the forefront of their mind when producing quality footwear. This Veja Campo Chrome Free Leather trainer offers a basic style made with luxurious, recycled and sustainable materials that can elevate any outfit and fit easily into a capsule wardrobe.
Retro inspired, the Veja Rio Branco follows the archival traits of some of the best running trainers of the 80s and reproduces them in a clean, sustainable silhouette.
The trainers upper is crafted using the brands ‘Alveomesh’, a fine fabric made from recycled polyester that is lightweight and offers breathability to its wearer. Suede overlays help to break up the visuals. crafted from ethically treated bovine leather, the suede undergoes a natural coating process in which it is treated with natural oils to enhance its light water resistant qualities. A branded heel tab offers a further contrast while Veja’s joyful ‘V’ logo is emblazoned on the trainers side panelling.
To the bottom of the shoe, a combination of sugar cane, rice waste and Amazonian rubber construct the sole. With a spongy midsole, everyday impacts are absorbed guaranteeing everyday comfort, while the rubber outsole provides traction on the most slippy of surfaces.
An ideal trainer to rock all year round, the Rio Branco offers comfort, style and versatility.
Contemporary minimalism at its finest. The Veja Esplar displays many similarities to the brand’s Campo model, all while offering a slimmer silhouette with a more sleek body.
The bovine leather upper is imported from Uruguayan farms, a country notorious for quality leather production and it rich culture of animal husbandry. The leather is then tanned in Brazil where it is attached to the sole in the Porto Algere Trainer factory. A suede heel tab is crafted from the underside of bovine leather, it’s brushed to increase flexibility and softness before being treated with a PFC free oil to add a water resistant coating.
The Esplar sole is made using a combination of ethically sourced Amazonian rubber , rice waste and recycled rubber. Offering not only comfort but knowledge that your product was made in an environmentally friendly way. Veja branding is present to both the tongue and heel while the brands ‘V’ logo appears on the trainers side panelling.
A perfect pair of trainers offering an amazing amount of versatility, dress them up with chinos or opt for your favourite denim to create a more casual look.
How to Style Veja Trainers?
Whether you need a bit of styling inspiration, or you just want to have a closer look at the brands offering, our in-house team have put together a short video showing the pure versatility and style that Veja offers. Check it out below.
Getting wardrobe ready for an outdoor expedition is no easy feat. But, thanks to Adidas, you can now explore nature in confidence with their expertly crafted outdoor range.
Dubbed ‘Adidas Terrex’, the German brand aim to create finely tuned outdoor pieces that enable its wearer to battle the elements with ease. The sub-brands range includes a whole host of top-notch gear, from softshell jackets to keep you warm in the windiest of conditions, to Gore-Tex hiking trainer/boot hybrids that will allow you to handle any rough (and wet) terrain. Adidas’s incredible sportswear knowledge, combined with a need for specialised outdoor apparel, has led to their pieces being infused with incredible high-performance materials and ergonomic silhouettes that work with and enable your body to reach further and push harder.
Here in the Aphrodite office, our favourite piece from the range is the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker: a hiking trainer/boot combo that offers full waterproofing thanks to innovative Gore-Tex technology. It features an ultra boost midsole for ultimate comfort, alongside durable mudguards and a functional heel strap to keep your feet sturdy.
You got footwear covered but still looking for a bit of outerwear to keep you warm? Check out the Adidas Terrex softshell jacket. Built with water resistant and windproof properties, this piece is lightweight and allows you to combat the harshest of conditions. Crafted with a warming fleece material to the inside, you’ll be feeling warm and toasty no matter the expedition.
You can shop the Adidas Terrex range online and in store at Aphrodite. And if you want to mix up your brands on an outdoor expedition, why not have a look at some key pieces from Norse Projects or Patagonia that we currently have in stock.
