T-Shirt Reviews Blog

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 09:43 AM PST

I have a miserable cold right now, we’ve taken in a stray cat from the snow who’s causing umpteen problems and the heating keeps going on the blink. So I was relieved to learn that not everything wintry is bad, for instance Rise and Resist have just brought out their latest seasonal collection and a dead classy collection it is too. They seem to have employed the help of a medieval monk this time around, a lot of the designs remind me of ancient illuminated texts and Gothic splendour is abound.

I have to admit it was rather a surprise to see this key change, still originality and freshness is the lifeblood of any successful brand, so there’s no room for nostalgia (unless you want to check out their sale which still has a few of their old favourites) and move on and upwards to something, darker, moodier and slightly more disturbing, much like the British weather at the moment.

Step in to the dark and lofty chambers of Randr…

Snake Tee

The Snake Tee is meticulously designed, painstakingly even, by artist Rob Barber for Randr. Serpents have a long history in symbolism, you can find snakes mentioned in the earliest Sumerian writings, throughout Egypt, The Mayans, The Indus Culture, even The Masons. There’s probably one somewhere on an important governmental building near you if you look carefully. There’s also a wealth of images of serpent headed creatures from the stars in much of history, but I’ve no time for UFO conspiracies right now, I’ve got a cold… Buy this beauty for $22 in S to 2XL for men and women, comes in asphalt and heather grey.

Eyebook Tee

Another fine example of religious/Masonic iconography, the Eyebook has been around a lot longer than Facebook, and although I don’t agree with the secret agendas, political persuasion and general skullduggery of The Masons, you have to admit, they can provide some fancy source material for artists! Dare you look into the Eyebook? Available for men and women in all sizes at $22 in heather lake blue here.

Warm yourself by the fires of Randr and flick through their latest collection at http://www.randrtees.com/store/seriesshirts

New Glenn On The Block - Aled Lewis

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 09:08 AM PST

You’re probably all aware of Glennz tees, run by Glenn Jones, a highly talented and humorous Australian illustrator who has for the main part cornered his area of the market with a wide variety of pithy pun-based t-shirts illustrating much of the ridiculous in society and the media. However you might not have heard of Aled Lewis, who for all intensive purposes is as about as close to an apprentice if not challenger for the place as king of comic tees.

Their styles are interchangeable, both Aled Lewis and Glennz being masters of graphic design, sticking to the old adage that ‘less is more’ both manage to convey t-shirt designs packed with humour and artistic reference without cluttering their work with excessive details and effects. Pure as purest vectors can be. The only real difference I can spot is that Alex has a decidedly more British sense of humour, featuring such British icons as The Tardis from Doctor Who, medieval humour and old school punk rock in the form of a male chicken.

Aled doesn’t have his own store as such however you’ll be relieved to know that all his works are available as winning designs (sometimes in collaboration with others) at Threadless and Shirt.Woot. Let’s take a look at some of Aled’s funniest creations and see exactly why this guy may become the new t-shirt king of comedy!

It Came Out of Nowhere Tee

Perfect, funny, original, what more can I say? The divine blend of two time travel classics results in a hilarious t-shirt design entitled It Came Out of Nowhere. Available now at Shirt.Woot for $15 in S to XL for women and S to 3XL for men.

Smoke and Mirrors Tee

I’ve heard of ‘puppet politics’ but this is getting ridiculous! Aled Lewis has managed to clear up the conspiratorial question to exactly who pulls the strings in government once at for all! Unfortunately (as will be the case for many of Aled’s Smoke and Mirrors tee at Threadless originally offered for just $10 in sizes XS - 2XL for women and XS to 3XL for men has sold out!

Not as Far as You Think Tee

Before you get too excited yet again this one is sold out, this review is fast turning into a futile exercise for anyone after his work, however I’m sure the head’s up will mean you will definitely all be keeping your eyes peeled for new arrivals! Not as Far as You Think is based upon yet another conspiracy, this time regarding the Moon Landing. I did see a rather convincing spoof video on Youtube recently that featured a few studio lights crashing about as the astronauts went on a walkabout - who knows - I learned recently that you can’t see the flag, jeep or modules from a powerful telescope. Then again I learned that from another nut lol. Anyway as usual no chance in a million years of getting hold of this beauty (unless popular demand decrees otherwise. You could have got this tee for $10 in all sizes a while back, still if enough people rant at this page it might be re-released!

Terrible Beast From a Bygone Age Tee

Terrible Beast From a Bygone Age Design For Sale!

This design is actually for sale! If you own a t-shirt brand or want to start up one here’s your chance, with Aled Lewis on your books I guarantee you label will rise the ranks of power within months. This guy is as funny and talented as they come, and seeing as how big Glennz has made it these days, no doubt the same will apply to Aled Lewis before long. Entrepreneurial? Contact the designer here.

As far as t-shirts go this guy makes me proud to be British, which I must admit is a rarity these days. Check out his site for more designs, tees, and do take a look at his Flickr page, plenty more fun to be had there too!

Lifestyle World

Monday, 21 December 2009