URB1 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LIMB APPAREL

Article written by: Rodrick Rainey
Posted on: June 16, 2004

How can you describe a limb? An extension of yourself? How about Authentic Streetwear for all that is your extension! Read one of the livest i-views Urb1 has had thus far as we get the science on heavily, hiphop artist worn clothing line “Limb”. Based out of Toronto, Canada, Urb1 has to show love to one of the freshest lines developing!

(URB1) WHAT’S UP “LIMB”? OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN PUTTING IN MAJOR WORK BEHIND THE SCENES. IF YOU COULD, GIVE PEOPLE A SMALL INTRODUCTION ON WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT LIMB APPAREL’S NAME MEANS AS WELL AS WHAT IT REPRESENTS.

(LIMB APPAREL) AUTHENTIC STREETWEAR FOR ALL THAT IS YOUR EXTENSION Limb apparel stands for more than just the extension of ones body. Its the extension of one as an individual. There are no two people alike, everyone is unique. Every person has there own unique way to express thereselves, we call it an extension of ones self.

(URB1) I KNOW YOU MENTIONED YOU WORK WITH A LOT OF HIPHOP ARTISTS… CAN YOU GIVE A FEW OF THE ARTISTS YOU’VE WORKED WITHT HAT PEOPLE MIGHT RECOGNIZE AND SOME FO YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ARTIST CLIENTS? ALSO TELL URB1 VISITORS THE ARTISTS WHO WILL BE ROCKING LIMB VERY SOON!

(LIMB APPAREL) We’ve showcased artists like K-Cut (Main Source), Jazzy Jeff, recently Kid Capri etc… We will be doing an exclusive photoshoot with the clipse (neptunes) in the coming weeks.

(URB1) COMING FROM TORONTO, I KNOW THE FLAVOR UP THERE IS A BIT DIFFERENT FROM THE TYPICAL NORTHEAST OR MIDWEST STYLE. WHAT TORONTO INSPIRATION HAVE YOU USED IN YOUR CLOTHING DESIGNS AND WHAT WILL SEPERATE LIMB APPAREL FROM THE OTHERS?

(LIMB APPAREL) I’m not sure of anything in particular, but we definitely like to stay away from large logo detailing. We like solid color themes with refined detailing. Its all in the detailing. Right away thats sets us apart from your average quote “underground” clothing line.

(URB1) I NOTICED YOU HAVE A BETTER-TUNED CLOTHING LINE THAN MOST. YOU GO FURTHER THAN T-SHIRTS AND HATS AS MUST “UNDERGROUND” LINES USUALLY STICK WITH, UNTIL SIGNING A MAJOR DEAL. TELL URBANITES SOME OF THE SPECIAL FEATURES YOUR CLOTHING DESIGNS MIGHT HAVE FROM MATERIALS USED TO THE RHINESTONE EXTRAS.

(LIMB APPAREL) We started to move away from your coventional silkscreen and embroidery applications, anybody can do that. We’ve started towards more customized applications used by the majors. 80% of our clothing is now custom cut to spec.

(URB1) URB1 ALWAYS LIKES TO RECOGNIZE CLOTHING LINES THAT ARE TRULY HIPHOP INSPIRED AND NOT JUST A CORPORATE SOMEBODY TRYING TO MAKE MONEY OFF A MARKET THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF OR NO CARE FOR. OFF THE TOP, WHAT HIPHOP ARTIST INSPIRED YOU SOMEWHAT? WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO WHILE DESIGNING IF YOU DO THAT?

(LIMB APPAREL) I was a hip-hop artist myself, actually I still produce time to time for artists. I love hip-hop. I think that my influences for this clothing line came directly from the local and international artist that I have been blessed to work with. To name one or even a few would be impossible I could honestly say, that not only has this line been built by artists, its for the artists.

(URB1) GOING BACK TO THE START OF THE I-VIEW, WE TALKED ABOUT ARTISTS LIMB WORKS WITH OR HAS WORKED WITH BRIEFLY. HOWEVER, AFTER TALKING TO YOU, I KNOW THERE’S A LOT MORE ARTISTS’ ON THE UNDERGROUND SCENE WEARING LIMB APPAREL. WHO ARE ALL THESE ARTISTS AND WHAT AFFILIATION ARE THEY TO LIMB? I SEE ON THE LIMB WEBSITE YOU HAVE THEM ON THE “FAMILY” PAGE, SO IF YOU COULD JUST GIVE AN EXPLANATION OF WHY YOU CONSIDER THEM FAM…

(LIMB APPAREL) The family section started with a few friends and has grown into worldwide base. This is a mix of Hip-hop and House Dj’s that we admire for there dedication to the music community. They are the bulk of our support base, and the soul engine of our existence. They are truly our friends and family.

(URB1) I KNOW YOU HAVE THE SHOP OPTION ON THE WEBSITE BUT SOME AREN’T COMFORTABLE WITH BUYING ONLINE, EVENTHOUGH EVERY HIPHOP FASHION RELATED SITE ON URB1 IS HEAVILY INSPECTED AND SUPPORTED ONLY IF THERE IS NO INSECURITY. IN SHORT, WE REALLY LOOK OUT FOR THOSE WHO SHOP THROUGH US BECAUSE A LOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIPHOP FASHION CULTURE ONLINE AND IT’S OUT OF CONTROL IN MY VIEW BUT NO ONE IS WILLING TO TAKE CREDIT FOR THE SITES, AND SHUT THEM DOWN PROPERLY. THEREFORE WE EXPOSE THEM THROUGH OUR SITE. DAMN, I JUST GOT OFF SUBJECT FOR REAL.. BUT BACK TO WHAT I WAS SAYING, IN CASE THEY DON’T TRUST ONLINE QUITE YET, IN WHAT AREA’S STORES CAN THEY DO SO?

(LIMB APPAREL) Because of the strong american demand, we have been negotiating with stores and distributors alike to get product in. Like anything it has to be right. The reason that we’ve been so succesful on the underground front is that we’ve always played the fine line between availability and exclusivity. With that said, you can be sure to Look out for american store location updates for the summer.

(URB1) WELL, THAT’S THE END OF THE URB1 I-VIEW ASK URB1 KEEPS IT SHORT AND SWEET TO MAKE SURE VISITORS CAN READ OUR 1 PAGE I-VIEW WITHOUT SLEEPING… LOL… MUCH LOVE TO YOU AND LIMB APPAREL FOR DROPPING THE SCIENCE ON YOUR LINE TO THE HIPHOP FASHION MONSTERS THAT STAY LOGGED INTO URB1.COM… FEEL FREE TO DROP ANY KNOWLEDGE YOU FEEL NEEDS TO BE SHARED WITH THESE PARTING COMMENTS!

(LIMB APPAREL) Put forward what you consider to be your own extension. Individuality is key!

holla
G