Know1edge

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  Know1edge The Reed Backpack in Brown/Ivory
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  Know1edge The Reed Backpack
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  Know1edge The Fed Tee
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  Know1edge The Diamond Denim
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  Know1edge The Vintage Tee
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  Know1edge The Sven Jean
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  Know1edge The Diamond Denim
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  Know1edge The Knights Move Tee
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  Know1edge The Caution Tee
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  Know1edge The Explore Tee

Hong Kong based Know1edge specializes in apparel, bags, accessories, and much more.

In 2004, Julius Brian Siswojo, who was born in Indonesia and grew up in Hong Kong, created the clothing line Know1edge together with his wife and design partner, Annie Lee Siswojo.

The founding of the brand was all because hardcore skateboard enthusiast Brian felt that it was his “duty” to create his own clothing shop and revolutionize fashion in Hong Kong by giving the crowd the best and freshest streetwear brands.

“I started Know1edge, in 2004 from wanting to do special collaborations with friends. What started off as a small line of t-shirt collaborations quickly grew to a full line of menswear/accessories; premium denim, leather garments, knitted apparel, Swiss movement watches, etc.” Brian said in his interview with Robust Flavor.

Before he opened Know1edge, Brian started by opening the 8FIVE2SHOP in 2001. He sold primarily Alphanumeric apparel, and later became the label’s Marketing Director for Asia. Despite 8FIVE2’s quaint space, he managed to bring his big enthusiasm and huge passion for trendy clothes.

About the shop’s opening, Brian expressed: “I’ve always felt that Asia in general lacked some kind of authenticity in the origins of street art, skateboarding, and music. Although a niche market that has not been widely accepted by the mass, I opened a skate/street fashion shop that could properly merchandise a full collection while being informative on the brand history to the customers.”

Ever since the shop and brand were created, the Siswojos have been feverishly working on bringing what the people need to the plate. Today, the brand is recognized as one of the best brands straight from Hong Kong. It has also been recognized as a “fashion melting pot” of collaborations between creative designers from all around the globe. Barely a decade in the fashion biz, 8FIVE2SHOP and Know1edge continue to be the fashion authorities in Hong Kong.

As for Know1edge’s Spring/Summer 2009, the inherently Asian brand was inspired by a contrasting Latino culture. The inspiration – obvious in the clothing collection and the lookbook – is translated into the collection’s items which include caps, hats, sunglasses, backpacks, messenger bags, and even bracelets.

Know1edge bags, sunglasses, and other accessories.

True to its mission of fusing Know1edge with major brands all around the world, the brand has teamed up with a number of brands. For one, it has collaborated with Haze and came up with two denims – in black and blue. The denims bear Haze’s trademark iconic designs and leather accents.

The company also teamed up with Fiberops to come up with the “Mahjong and Moonshine” stadium Jacket, which features a black wool body, black leather sleeves, and iconic embroideries and patches. The jacket was in commemoration of the 10th year anniversary of Britain’s handover of Hong Kong to China.

Know1edge has also collaborated with cap giant New Era to come up with a collaborative cap, which features tonal all-over embroideries. The collaborative cap is available in three colorways. Another brand, Crooks and Castles, has collaborated with Know1edge. The tandem came up with J-Twizzy Ceramic watch, which drew inspiration from the classic Chanel watches. It bears a subtle Crooks Medusa design at the dial. Also Know1edge has also worked with Asian actor Daniel Wu to come up with a capsule collection released after the brand’s Fall 2008 collection. The line features pants, track tops, and shirts which bear subtle yet unique design statements.

“The collection is my own personal tribute to the San Francisco Bay Area, which is where I was born and raised. So each item is named after a place that is connected to that item of clothing from my memories of growing up there,” Daniel told hypebeast.com.

To gain more knowledge about Knowledge, visit know1edge.com.