SCRT is the label blending pop culture and rising art

London based brand SCRT is breaking down the boundaries of art and fashion, blending them together and transforming their creations into wild and wonderful pieces. Founded by Adam Kirk and Chris Narey back in 2010, the independent label has developed into a cult collection, collaborating with some of the most exciting young creatives.

With an energy fuelled by the desire to spotlight rising talents, from underground artists to blooming designers, Kirk and Narey turned SCRT from a unique idea into a platform for trailblazers everywhere. Taking over the streetwear scene one signature tee at a time, the label enforces their innate passion for individuality and not the mainstream through the use of independent stockists, working with undiscovered creatives to keep true to themselves. One such vibrant collaboration is with Toronoto based artist Brandon Celi, who illustrated some of pop culture’s most iconic characters – from Michael Scott to Mrs Mia Wallace. We caught up with the founders to learn what SCRT means to them and how they got here from a little house on a hill…

What was the starting point for SCRT?

Adam Kirk – We knew a lot of artists personally who were graduating and starting to work, and we felt, were being taken advantage of by big brands. We wanted to give them a platform where they would have freedom to be more creative, and also where we could show them off to the world, rather than hiding them behind a brand. Plus, there was this feeling that there really wasn’t enough of a variety of clothing available for the people around us. It was that feeling of frustration that got us thinking.

Chris Narey – I think it took us a while to work out exactly what we were going to do with it. We’ve shifted slightly over the years but we’ve always had those creative team ups at the core of what we do.

When searching for creatives to collaborate with, what do you look for?

CN – In a lot of cases it’s almost incidental. In some respects we’re quite an international brand but in others we’re a fairly close knit team. A lot of our collaborations are with people we’ve got to know rather than those we’ve sought out. If we get on with someone we’ll likely find a way to work with them

AK – That’s certainly the case for recent collabs with Bo Matteini, and EF Davies. That working relationship is very important to us.

What do you feel like the gap in the market was that you fill?

AK – Now that our cut & sew and homeware collections are growing, it’s becoming more apparent to us, I think. It’s been called ‘creative workwear’ by other people, but I like to think it’s a gap for people who care for detail-driven, but functional clothing.

CN – Yeah, function takes precedent. I think what makes us a bit different are the collaborations and increasingly now, how we collaborate. That’s reflected in a lot of what we’ve put out this season, where we’re starting to work with people beyond just clothing.

How do you feel London’s creative scene is changing at the moment?

AK – Everything in London changes so quickly; areas are commercialised before you realise. Creative hubs become a space for coffee shops and soulless flats. But the creative scene is just as quick to react, and I think it’s that ongoing metamorphosis that keeps things fresh. What’s really inspiring is seeing how the creative scene seems to stay so positive and willing to engage with areas even as they’re being priced out.

CN – More people seem to be choosing to work for themselves. It’s refreshing to see people taking a chance on themselves and I think a growing creative scene is facilitating that.

What does London mean to SCRT?

AK – London’s where we’re from, where we live, and where we find a lot of inspiration. That said, London is its own bubble, and it can be really rewarding to get outside and seek inspiration in different cities, but then come home to see how it all integrates together.

CN – Yeah, it’s home, but you need explore new places and ideas or you can get stuck in a bit of a loop. I can see the places we’ve been over the years in each collection.

What’s next for you?

AK – We’re currently launching homeware, with collaborations from EF Davies ceramics and Blank Factory candles. Next year, more pop-ups, and some new ways of collaborating with people.

CN – As Adam said we’re looking to do more physical stuff. So pop-ups and events, but also working with more materials. We’ve just dropped a new leather capsule – which is something we haven’t really used before. It’s been really rewarding to design with something new, so you can expect more of that.

Check out a sneak preview into the EF Davies ceramics collaboration below, and follow SCRT on Instagram here.