Browns launches exclusive Carhartt WIP x Small Talk Studio capsule collection

Fashion retailer Browns has today launched a nine-piece limited edition capsule collaboration collection between Carhartt WIP and Small Talk Studio, with the latter’s quirky nature-inspired graphics updating traditional workwear pieces.

‘Artwear’, a term coined to describe fashion that overlaps luxury streetwear and art, perfectly defines Small Talk Studio, which caught the eye of the late American designer and Founder of Off-White, Virgil Abloh, who collaborated with the New York-based brand.

Finding inspiration in nostalgia, Founder of Small Talk Studio, Nicholas Williams, references garden magazines, plant seed packets, grocery store goods and outdoor guidebooks, spending hours hand-embroidering garments with unique, colourful floral graphics and animal illustrations that have quickly become his signature.

Williams infuses Carhartt WIP’s bestsellers, distinguishable for their premium fabrics, rugged construction and comfortable fit, with an unexpected combination of graphics that gives each piece added character. There’s also an opportunity for customers to create their own mood boards for custom-made pieces, as Williams uses them for inspiration.

Key pieces in the Carhartt WIP x Small Talk Studio collection include a denim workwear three-piece coordinate, jerseys, beanie hats and tote bags, all reinterpreted with colourful hand drawn illustrations.

Browns Menswear Category Manager, Thom Scherdel, said: “At Browns, we’re committed to platforming unique talent and are thrilled to introduce our customers to Small Talk Studio, through their partnership with Carhartt WIP. We especially love a new spin on an old classic, so it’s great to see the brand put an artistic update on the brand’s classic workwear.

“We have a dedicated customer buying into those dependable Carhartt WIP essentials, and so we wanted to collaborate on a project together, offering them something exclusive for AW22.

“Serendipitously, the brand was already in conversation with Small Talk Studio and so it became the perfect partnership to create something that is both unique and consciously made, through upcycling signature pieces - two things that always resonates well with the Browns customer.

“Nicholas is such a talented artist and he adds a personal touch to clothing, so we knew this would be a great fit for those looking to find streetwear with a bespoke flair. What’s so unique about his offering is that he gives the client an opportunity to get involved in the creation of these pieces, asking them to make their own mood boards which he then uses for inspiration. These ideations are then hand-painted or stitched onto clothing, creating custom pieces that are guaranteed to stand out. These two brands make for a great collaboration as Carhartt WIP’s pieces are the perfect blank canvas for Williams to do what he does best.”

The price points for the exclusive capsule range from £80 for the screen-printed jersey T-shirts, up to £650 for the more detailed hand-painted ‘Detroit’ jacket.