ISSUE #44 - DESIGN ISSUE (JUN 29, 2008)
ISSUE #34 - AUS Issue (FEB. 10, 2008)
Special Blogs Issue (FEB. 03, 2008)
Parish Nation Clothing
During hip-hop’s infant years, Cazals and doorknockers were key accessories, and shell toes finished off the signature look. Parish Nation embraces the style and flare of the `80s and early `90s, revising New York and early hip-hop fashion. They’re new, different and surely will spark life through originality into fashion industry where everyone and their mothers own a T-shirt line. With years of experience at Enyce, Chaka Wilson and his partners take their knowledge and thirst for a culture they love and apply it to an industry they’ve mastered.
“With Parish we wanted the direction to come from us instead of go back to the way things were when we first started Enyce, which was just a small group of us enjoying what we’re doing which was designing.”
Format: Parish Nation is an interesting name, any particular meaning?
Parish: Well it literally means community. A group of individuals coming off of Enyce that represented NYC, which was kind of the little old translation for Enyce, and starting off from scratch with this new brand with just a small group of us sort of collectively conceptualizing everything from the direction of the brand, to design, to marketing, to most of what we do its done as a collective. Parish was sort of a representation of where we are right now as a company.
Format: How did the concept for Parish Nation come about?
Parish: I think when my partners all decided to leave Enyce we wanted to do something that represented our vision, as opposed to a corporate structure, you know a corporate dictate to what we do, what design, the type of stores we sell – overall with Enyce, it was a huge corporate oversight, which gave us direction. With Parish we wanted the direction to come from us instead of go back to the way things were when we first started Enyce, which was just a small group of us enjoying what we’re doing which was designing.
Format: What distinguishes Parish Nation from Enyce?
Parish: I think the design. What we came up with is just a really modern art driven early hip-hop influenced collection. So I think that’s present throughout the collection. That was one of the things that was important for us to establish ourselves in a different direction. When you see the collection you’ll immediately notice the bold colors and a lot of the cool references; everything from Warhol to Gene Herring to Grandmaster Flash. You have all of those cool references in there and most of the collection is actually hand drawn! That’s one of the things you will see even though there’s similarities with us and not only Enyce, but other companies in terms of all-over prints and things of that nature which happens to be the current trend, but I think we sort of took that trend. And what with the different direction with most of it being hand drawn, I think one of the key components to our design team is that we have artists as opposed to designers. They approach each part of the collection as a canvas so you notice that each part of the collection is sort of one of a kind.
“When you see the collection you’ll immediately notice the bold colors and a lot of the cool references; everything from Warhol to Gene Herring to Grandmaster Flash.”
Format: Has the success of Enyce paved the way for Parish?
Parish: Absolutely, I mean Enyce established us in this business. What we did with Enyce gives us much creditability with this line even though it’s a great collection there’s a business end to any company. I think that’s one of things that gave us a leg up over any other up-start company that’s just coming into the game with no experience. I think the 10 years with Enyce is a pretty good track record so therefore buyers, manufacturers and venders – we sort of have the respect of a lot of people which in turn open a lot of doors for us.
Format: How has your experience been at the MAGIC Trade Show?
Parish: It’s been pretty good. We debuted the line a few months back. A lot of the buyers hadn’t even seen it or heard about it so the cool thing for us is that we have a tremendous buzz going into MAGIC. It’s not, again, like we’re a start up company that people are for the first time on the floor. The fact that we already have goods on the floor that are selling extremely well are giving the buyers a lot of confidence. The fact that they’re actually seeing some of the product out there on the street and on different individuals they really get to experience what we were explaining earlier on. The last MAGIC we were here right after leaving Enyce so we were really just observers, but we were trying to give a lot of the buyers an indication of what it was that we were coming up with. They support us which is a really good thing, because you know if we do well they do well in their stores so overall it’s been a very good experience and a positive experience this is the way MAGIC was for us in the beginning. It’s really cool to get back to that.
Format: How does it feel to go from founding established brands to creating a brand new line?
Parish: It’s great. There was a struggle but it was the only course of action. You know Enyce was great. We still love the brand. That’s kind of like our baby. We still have a lot of great friends over there, but it was time for us to sort of branch out and try something new. I think the market place needed something new, so it was cool that it would be us to do it as individuals recognized in the fashion community as innovative and well respected within the design community, and in turn get support from the other brands. I think that’s one of the things that’s made it less scary for us. We’ve got nothing but positive feedback from the fashion community so that’s given us some confidence.
Format: Lately, the fashion industry has been taking on an `80s trend. Why did you chose to use the `80s and early-`90s era as a theme for the line?
Parish: That’s the era that influenced us, especially those of us who are a little bit older. We definitely came of age, if you will, in the `80s as young teenagers so we definitely experienced the trends that are out there. When we started the collection we naturally wanted to use New York as a backdrop. We’ve always wanted a cool tie in into New York, it was important to show a lot of influences, pay homage to that.
Format: What are Parish Nation’s signature items or looks?
Parish: For spring, I would definitely say our Warhol influenced pieces. You have a cool reference point. You know pop art. I think that’s a strong part of our collection. And then we also have like the early hip-hop influential pieces which show the four elements of hip-hop. We have a piece that sort of shows respect to the DJ; we have one that represents the graffiti; we have one that represents breaking; [and] we have one that represents the emcee.
Format: What can we expect in the future from Parish Nation?
Parish: Just great artwork. Even if the reference may change, because we won’t be stuck in the `80s forever, but I think the artwork will remain consistent. The artwork is primary and whatever theme or reference sort of compliments artwork so that’s one of the things that remain consistent, that and quality clothing.
1
February 26, 2007
Wat it is? My name is Sam Ross from the nast nati, me and all my boys look at what yall are doing with fashion and your line and we want to know how you got started. There isnt a more creative group than us. If yall could leave me some feedback or hall at me that would be insane, you got my email, leave some love.
Ross
2
February 27, 2007
Fugazi. Their inspiration was Fruition, but real heads know what it is.
3
February 27, 2007
I was watchin these fellas since the first lil blip on the radar ( which I think I saw it here. Chicago release party if my memory serves me right. ) You’ll see me in line gettin some
4
February 28, 2007
I dig.
Keep it funky fresh.
Htp
5
February 28, 2007
Yea i agree with ol boy… They took they shit from Fruition Las Vegas….. Damn Shame
6
March 1, 2007
SOMEBODY GET ME A FRUTITION !!!!!! I’M THIRSTY!!!!!!
7
March 1, 2007
Fugazi. Their inspiration was a photo collage from Frank, but the people who did it know what it is. Fix ya face, and don’t get gassed. Go pimp some fendi bags while Parish supplies the people from the streets with some affordable dope clothing!!!! Chuuch*
8
March 2, 2007
where can i get some of this clothe sin near va
9
March 2, 2007
Real heads know that photo collages existed before fruition:
http://math.mercyhurst.edu/~griff/sgtpepper/images/sgtpepper_cover.jpg
10
March 2, 2007
Gerardo…you can find the gear at Up Against The Wall.
11
March 5, 2007
I’m soo with in in Cali How can i be a parish model?
12
March 6, 2007
I GOT TO SAY THIS IS THE CREATIVE AND ILLIEST THING FOR TODAY! MOST DEFINITLY WITH THE STERIOTYPE THAT HIP HOP IS FADEING! THIS FASHION STATEMENT IS JUST WHAT WE NEED! LETS GO BACK TOO WERE IT ALL BEGAN AND GET THAT FEEL BACK ! I LOVE IT AND WANT TO BE A PART OF IT! GET AT ME!
GETITBOY707@YAHOO.COM
MYSPACE.COM/MYTMIKE707
13
March 6, 2007
THE FLAW WITH THIS LINE IS IT’S “FLAVA OF THE MONTH” / TREND JOINTS.SURE IT’S EYECANDY,BUT THE SHELF LIFE IS SHORTER THAN GRAPE SODAS IN THE HOOD.PLUS THE FRUITION THING COMES OFF KINDA LIKE SOME SHARK N*GGA S*IT.FOUL BALL
14
March 7, 2007
Hey Gov’na once you see fall’07 line from Parish you might rethink that grape soda comment and realize Parish is going to be a hood classic like quarter water. Go buy a Fendi scarf at Fruition and let the common man have his day. Fruition don’t even make clothes, they got a lil boutique store in desert that’s feeding off of the era of the 80’s period. Everybody will have to show and prove when the cold comes. Foul ball is taking the spirit of hip hop, which came from the hood and trying to push that shit for 2k. Parish bout to get that chip….wit out even playing games blood.
15
March 7, 2007
How do I get in contact with the clothing line marketing department?
16
March 8, 2007
Hey Nolan, here’s the info you requested. Keep doing what you are doing for your community.That’s what its all about: info@parish-nation.com
17
March 8, 2007
hallo i am christian from bassano del grappa - vicenza - italy !
yuor clothing parish is beautiful !!!!
i am agent in italy from hip hop clothing (enyce and akademiks ) !
you have for italy a person for retail in shops ?
by christian
bommassar.brothers@tiscali.it
18
March 9, 2007
CONGRATS! THE BEST OF LUCK ON THE CLOTHING LINE IT LOOKS REAL GOOD. AND I HOPE TO SEE IT ON EVERY CUSTOMER THAT WALKS INTO MY SHOP,IT WILL GO GREAT WITH A FRESH CUT AL’S BARBER SHOP
19
March 11, 2007
http://www.aspektz.com
i got that new Parish shit on my site
its STUPID tight
20
March 13, 2007
you can buy those alligator kicks here - http://www.celliniuomo.com
where can i buy other gear that they are rocking?
21
March 13, 2007
Thanks Willy
22
March 16, 2007
I seen an ad for Parish Nation and I almost died. Thats the type of shit that I love. Cant wait for the line hit retail.
23
March 19, 2007
I mess wit yalls clothing line its hot and its something different. out here in dc two many people don’t know about yall and only a select few of stores carry the line. I just bought a fit saturday and killed everybody in the club keep up the good work
one luv
the districts finest
24
March 21, 2007
I am ver intrigued by this clothing line the is spelled exactly like my name is when mostly everyone spell my name Parrish, Paris or Perish. I also find it intrigued at how the clothing line had a party last year on Nov. 8….which is the day I was born! I quickly found the line of clothes, bought me a few shirts and designed them into dresses that I wear with leggins and heels! Outrageous!
25
March 22, 2007
*goes blind*
*sees too much fresh-funkyness*
Finally, a urban clothing line I actually like :)
keep it up (and funky!) Parish
BK.
26
March 23, 2007
this clothing line is sick 4real……i cant wait to see yall stuff hit store racks :)
27
April 17, 2007
i was wondering were to get that parish electric banana hoody at
28
April 17, 2007
Yeah a lot keep saying Fuitton was wwho theya re biting… hopefully not :(
29
June 8, 2007
I was wondering how to contact you about carrying P Nation in my store.
30
June 8, 2007
yo man all i got to say no questions asked where can buy your clothing line is wack in good way
31
June 8, 2007
yo man all i got say iz where can i get thiz your clothing line iz wack in a good way
32
June 10, 2007
Parish Clothing is one of the original clothing lines that has actually came out in a while! In my opinion…that’s why we started a fan site!
33
June 11, 2007
I need a phone number contact for Parish.
34
June 23, 2007
I love parish clothing it’s very intriguing & unique. I love the fact the style of the 80s-90s were never forgotten.
35
June 26, 2007
Where can I cop some Parish Nation?? Im steadily rockin bamboo hooped door knockers with fat rope chains, with my 80’s styled fitted gear! I need Parish to complete my look intended! Where can I get it?
36
July 19, 2007
its so freshh
37
July 30, 2007
Man Forget That.This Line Is Straight Bitting From “CLASSIC HIPHOP WEAR”!! I Know That’s Where Yall Got The Idea To Take It Back From.Those Guys.They Showed Their Line Back At The “Magic Show” In Vegas 06,Then Soon Later,You Guys Come UP With Some Off The Wall Name Trying To Do The Same.But Their Shit Is Way More Original! Yall Should Check Them Out On Myspace.myspace/hiphopclassic!
38
August 11, 2007
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We can provide the high quality products with you.
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Packaging according to clients’ requirements
Min Order Quantity: Please contact me
Delivery Time: 24 hours after payment received.
We are now looking forward to even greater cooperation with you based on mutual benefits. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Thanks and best regards!
Your Name: Mike
Company: 58way international trading Co,.Ltd
Address: Putina Fujian China
Service line: +86-13850295557
MSN: t58way@hotmail.com
E-mail: t58way@163.com
Website: http://www.58way.com
39
August 20, 2007
This is real funny , my cousin was designing a clothing line with the same exact name like 6 or seven years ago, but he named it after his son, who’s name is Parish, I mean I dont know if it is the same people he was working with and now they are trying to get props for his stuff, whatever , I am trying to find out as I type this!!!
40
August 27, 2007
This line is crazy,sexy && kewl..I love it,I’ll be ordering alot!
41
September 1, 2007
i love this line….old school hip hop…..=]
yeaaaa……..=)
42
September 4, 2007
the Buisness Is HoT!!!! and
keep Up the Work You will Hear 4rm Pfresh Parish real; soon……….
love Mason,
Dean of Intruction
43
September 4, 2007
its Phfresh Parish
44
September 10, 2007
any body know where i can find 80’s stores in la wit rope chains and 80’s fashion apparl.hit me up -valenzuela_guillermo@yahoo.com
45
September 18, 2007
hope that it will drop soon here in europe
46
October 4, 2007
the clothing is the hottest range i’ve seen this season i don’t know much about the clothing and i think it deserves a website.I hope that the clothing comes soon to South Africa
47
November 15, 2007
I would like to promot the clothing line.Email me or go to myspace.com/rmeagency and get my ph# so fell free and give me a call Chris/Alota
48
November 28, 2007
First of all I have to congratulate you all who created this clothing line. I love this hip hop culture thing it is very creative the loud colors are fun to wear. In the future I want to create my own clothing line something unique and different. Anyways I wanted to ask you all how did you come up with this fun wear.
49
November 28, 2007
I forgot my email address is erika_aleman@yahoo.com
50
November 28, 2007
clothing is tight fellas ,
i’m in toronto Canada, and i know for sure there is a big market in toronto for this style everyone is going back to retro clothing and if you guys are interested i would be ready to promote your guys clothing line….i got people waiting to get this line …hit be back and let me know what we can do…..
big market for this if you thinking of crossing over to canada
hit me up
51
June 22, 2008
Hello Tony Shellman, I saw your article in 19th hole it was very encouraging. I am in Atlanta and the publicist for the paly Colored Girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf, directed by Jasmine Guy. I read how you were in foster care and are very active in foster care work. Sponsorship and procedes from the play will benefit Save a Life Campaign Georgia’s foster care system. The play runs aug.22- sept. 7. This project is something I definently see your company partipating in. If Parish Nation would like to be one of the sponsors or donate products for gift bags. I can be reached at aisham1@msn.com Thanks