QnA With Butan

It all started with their first t-shirt being printed in 2001 however at that time they didn’t believe that it would lead them to where they are today. It was their love for design, hip hop and street culture that inspired them to start a brand which we have come to know as Butan. Their passion for hip hop and street culture are expressed through their garments and it is because of their passion that they have truly become a brand which brings together the love of hip hop and street culture into one garment.

Butan is more than just a brand but they are a movement, they have become an integral part of South African Street Culture, their involvement in street culture and in all of its aspects have made them more than just a clothing label therefore their movement is promoted and expressed through their garments.

They don’t believe that any of the local street wear brands are competitors to each other, although they are all in the process of building a truly large market that they can all cater for their biggest competitors are established brands from overseas who have huge marketing budgets that have already penetrated the market and convinced the consumer of their products and brand. Their mission is to change the perception that the local market is inferior to the international counter parts.

They draw inspiration from everything around them, as their designs are just a reflection of their experiences in contemporary South Africa, mixed with things that influenced them when they were growing up. Their ranges have a strong influence of African heritage, popular culture from the 80’s and 90’s and most definitely a lot of reference to the golden era of hip hop. They are highly conceptual designers and it is very important for them to include strong messages in everything that they do therefore their photography concepts generally run in line with the themes of their ranges.

 Their perception of their label by other people is different to how they see themselves. They realise that they are still at the beginning of their journey and they have set very high goals for themselves which they believe is not a bad thing as it keeps them from being complacent.  

Their business is their passion and they love it so much that there is nothing else they would rather do that even in their spare time they tend to work. However when they do go shopping they shop at stores which stock their brand which is Shesha, Revolution and Dope store in the Johannesburg CBD and they usually buy the occasional pair of bottoms and kicks since they do make their own clothes.

Their lives have changed tremendously; they didn’t anticipate the workload that comes with building your own brand and business. The clothing industry is a rough and highly competitive environment but they love what they do and their work is their hobby so it makes it that much easier to cope with, “I guess we haven't gotten the riches that everyone is dreaming of but surely that will also come with time.” They advise anyone getting into the fashion industry to “Do your research and planning before you do anything and don't go into this industry if you are looking for an easy ride.”

Top 3 Questions!

Which piece of clothing item do you believe is a necessity and one cannot live without?

My boxer shorts. Can't be going commando in 2014.

·         What’s your winter style tip for the ladies and gents out there?

Keep warm in style, so make sure to go out and cop yourself one of our crew necks, hoodies, beanies and sweatpants.

·         What do you think of South African Street Culture fashion?

SA street culture and street wear are growing fast and there are so many brands popping up left right and centre. These are really exciting times and I'm sure that SA street wear will soon be a force to be reckoned with, locally and internationally.

You can Purchase their items at any of the following stores: 

• Shesha
• Revolution 
• and Dope Store

For more information you can visit their Website: http://butanwear.com/ 
Follow them on Twitter @ButanWear 
And Check them out on Instagram :@butanwear

Happy Shopping Guys 
 XoXo