LQQK Studio x Paul & Shark
Photography: T-bone Fletcher
Model: Louis Culture
Creative Direction & Styling: Joseph Prince
Agency: Too Hot
Client: Paul & Shark
Tell me about LQQK, how did it all begin?
LQQK Studio doesn’t have a official date that we opened our doors. Much how we still operate we are constantly discovering new interests and how we can build on them. Primarily we started as a print and design studio where multiple people could share space. It evolved into a specialized screen print studio, and now we are still morphing into more of a creative “agency” that focuses on brand development through print techniques. Also LQQK Studio is just a clubhouse 🙂
How did you first get into the screen printing side of things?
Band posters and shirts . Independent music is my entrance into printing. Being the guy who could deliver small runs of shirts or posters to local bands or artists without making a dime in the process. I became a talented printer this way, but was so damn broke.
It feels like you guys have a really natural organic approach to your products where do you find inspiration?
There are a few ways LQQK finds inspiration. Its usually 2 part. First being from a cultural perspective. Everyone at LQQK loves Skate culture/ fashion, Rave culture / fashion, Casual and Hooligan culture / fashion, and Classic Italian Menswear. We are constantly intrigued by all those eras and styles.
Part two is technique and materials. We are obsessed with fabrics. We find reasons to use certain fabrics because we are so excited about them. Same with printing, we love developing a way to print and showcasing with our designs. Being commercial printers we have the benefit of troubleshooting and researching cool ways to print by servicing other clients. Its like subsidized research and development.
How important is community and sharing ideas with friends to the LQQK philosophy?
Community is everything. Collective energy is how we operate. I think it is crucial to share ideas and take ideas that are given, without a dialogue creative output easily becomes a feedback loop.
You have a collab with one of my favourite brands Paul & Shark, how did that come about?
I have always loved Paul & Shark. Vintage items remind me of an Italian spin on Polo. What never made sense to me what the lack of presence in the US. This being said, my friend about a little over a year ago told me the showroom he works for started representing P&S. Immediately I asked him to reach out and see if they would be interested in a project. About a month later we were out in Milan meeting the owner Mr.Dini and the entire Paul & Shark team to start a 2 season collection.
You also made a Vans collab last year with two in combination I’ve seeing a bit of a Paninaro influence going on, is that a look that ever travelled stateside?
Vans was always our top choice for collaboration. We love classic design. Being able to modernize a old style that has slipped from the contemporary vocabulary is always a dream for us and Paninaro style is iconic, and definitely a massive influence. The US is just catching onto has sick those classic brands are and hopefully this P&S collection isn’t too far over any ones head.
What are you plans for the future with the LQQK brand?
Make rad shit for dope people.
Interview by Ollie Evans
It was an honour to visit the Massimo Osti Archive in Bologna last week to meet with Lorenzo Osti and view the incredible artefacts that make up his father’s life’s work.
This is a collection of snap shots and details from the studio, having spent an entire day there I only briefly scratched the surface of what is there. Highlights included original sketches, dye tests, prototypes and folders of ideas and personal projects.
Stay tuned for more projects with Lorenzo and The Massimo Osti Archive over the course of this year.
Catford Editorial.
Photography: Jake Ranford
Video: Joseph McDermott
Models: Dennis Corrigan, Josh Simpson
Featured pieces available from 3/12/18
We’re pleased to announce that over the last few months we have been working with Fila to design a new capsule collection of Magic Line pieces.
Magic Line was a late 80’s Italian exclusive collection inspired by legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner and characterised by it’s bold patterns & vivid colours.
Based on vintage pieces from our archives the collection updates original late 80’s Magic Line items with modern design touches for today.
To celebrate the launch of the collection we have put together a new editorial shoot featuring garments, shoes and accessories from the capsule.
Photographer: Tom Emmerson
Agency: Too Hot
Creative Direction & Production: Joseph Prince
Client: BBUK/Fila Uk
Lighting: Zach Brown
Styling: Scott Jones
Beauty: Lucy Joan Pearson
Models: Micah @ IMM, Scarlet Betts, Diggory Lynch