At first glance, FANBOY may seem like a brand run by potty-mouthed, borderline alcoholic sociopaths. Indeed, second and third glance may not disavow that impression.
However, this Edinburgh-based collective has much more depth and vision.
If you had any doubt, they have an About Us page which is more of a manifesto, including this gem- ‘FANBOY is that beautiful place where business meets creativity while keeping it’s integrity, which – for us – is the place to be.’
Like previous incarnation Pieute (which achieved a certain ubiquity in the Athens of the North), that means an expanding range of limited clothes and accessories, with design and quality to the fore. FANBOY sees that commitment expanding with a series of collaborations with artists and designers planned monthly throughout the year.
With no hint of irony, I think their Bucky Pin Badge may be one of the best pieces of art/ merchandising I’ve seen in years- in the context of FANBOY a tribute to ‘wreck the hoose juice’ seems entirely apt. Their infamous ‘Heroin and Haggis’ T perfectly punctures the vacuous consumerism of the appalling original ‘Cocaine and Caviar’ version with a typically wry humour.
For Covetable I have chosen their Mr Penfold collaboration zip logo sweat in navy as a well designed, long-lasting staple, but it’s well worth checking in regularly for eminently wearable sportswear and a healthy dose of humour to the fore. Crucially focused on the local while having a universal appeal, there is an inclusive warmth to FANBOY.
As they say themselves ‘We are the opposite of high street culture. We want to epitomise what it means to be yourself.’ That’s good enough for me.
Fanboy Navy Zip Hood is priced at £55.00