MakeMake Shop Review

Where is it?

www.makemakebrand.com   

History:

Dawning in 2009, MakeMake started out with a handful of homemade T-shirts. The creator of MakeMake, Moot, has always been interested in creativity from illustration to mural art, graffiti to graphic design and more relevantly, the fashion industry. The business really took off when Moot decided to leave his job and go it alone in the clothing industry. And it’s a good job he did. MakeMake is proving to be a success, despite still only being in its infant stage.

The brand’s slogan, “Iron Will and Necessary Skill”, was inspired from an interview with Nelson Mandela, and Moot says this epitomises the ethos of MakeMake. I think the five words sum up the brand perfectly – the individually tailored clothes require a lot of skill, and an iron will most probably have helped Moot go it alone.

What do they sell?

The website doesn’t feature copious amounts of clothes or several versions of the same T-shirt - instead MakeMake prides itself on carefully producing clothing that makes a one-off statement, rather than needlessly churning out sixteen same-style polo shirts (cough cough, Topman).

MakeMake primarily sells T-shirts and crew neck jumpers, which Moot calls “a humble beginning”. T-shirts are priced at £25, and crew necks at £40.

Penny Makes £25The brand focuses, not only on what they sell materially, but what you are investing in if you purchase an item from MakeMake. It is a brand that encompasses a way of living – the clothes are a manifestation of the attitudes and values of the creators themselves, namely, living life “detached from the mainstream”.

The clothes are highly individual and handcrafted, and this factor needs to be taken into consideration when browsing. They don’t duplicate lines, so once a line of clothing is sold, it’s gone forever, making MakeMake a truly original and exclusive brand.

Who shops there?

Moot calls his shoppers a “world wide tribe” of people who are “with it.” He also sees his customers as people who search hard to find clothing that embraces his culture, and not the mindless purchasing of mass produced clothes.

Jazz Attitude £25The website is much more than just an online basket. It devotes a section to the people who have helped make the brand happen, has a link to their blog which features their artwork, and has a page devoted to describing the brand. Clearly this is a very personal business.

Why shop there?

Moot has this to say to anyone thinking of purchasing clothes from MakeMake: “I hope that those of you that grow with us, share the iron will and necessary skill that we do and that if you are free of mass indulgence, embrace change and appreciate the makers and doers of the world, then MakeMake is yours.”

More generally you can expect to find the clothes “simple, durable and well thought-out,” alongside their exclusivity.

A pretty good deal all in all.

Future:

MakeMake’s humble beginning is soon to be expanded in time for next season, and will include outerwear, hoodies, button tees and shirts. The brand will also be involved in a few graffiti events in September and will also be joining music artist Roskrypz in making a video for a collaborative track from his debut album. MakeMake will also be teaming up with a respected distributor from Manchester to help push the brand further afield. Things are looking promising for this underground brand.

Verdict:

Totum Text £25 The brand is so heavily influenced by music it even has a song to encompass its culture. You can listen to it here. I’m addicted. The song is right up my street and I love the idea of having a song to represent a brand. It’s like a new-age advert, but not as blaringly obvious. However I do feel slightly traitorous praising MakeMake so heavily when I know that deep down I can’t resist a good high-street bargain, even if I do end up with several of the same style tops in different colours. I get the impression that if someone purchased a T-shirt from MakeMake without embracing their life ethos, Moot wouldn’t be too happy about it.