This Easter weekend Retreat caught up with Scott Magill, owner of UK clothing brand Who? for an exclusive interview
Scott goes into detail about the brand, what's in store for the future and what inspires him.
Check it out below
Hi Scott For those out there unfamiliar with yourself please give a little introduction.My names Scott Magill, I'm 24 and run a clothing brand called Who clothing based outta Cardiff, Wales.
Where did the concept for Who? arise from?Not a lot of people know this but it arised from a Skate DVD I made in 2008 called 'Who?' which basically documented the welsh skate scene at that time. I made a few tees after the DVD came out and then it somehow turned into a clothing company and it's just grown from there really. I've recently put the DVD online which you can peep for those who might wanna check it out.
Is this a part time or full time job?I'm lucky enough to be able to do this Full time, which is rad!
You guys seem to have blown up in a very short period of time. What would you say has been your key to getting the brand noticed to the masses?I wouldn't say we've blown up in a small amount of time as I started it late 2009 and worked alot of shitty jobs to fund it while it was starting out but I guess Social networking sites help a small brand get noticed fast
Are you the sole designer or is there a collective team at Who HQ?We have a few different people we like to work with, but I usually come up with an idea then get one of our designers to make it happen.
You seem to be well connected with the UK Skate Scene. Would you consider Who? to be a Skate Brand?We've been a skate brand since day one and will always be that!!
You also sponsor a number of skaters. How did that come about and what does that involve?We sponsor a few big names in the UK skateboarding scene which just involves us sending them out products and them reppin it.
As I said in the previous question, we've been a skate brand from day one so we'll always support UK skateboarding
With your recently dropped custom pocket tees , we like innovative and original brands pushing the boundaries. You guys kind of remind me of The Hundreds back in the day when they were doing there all over pasley prints. How important is originality to you guys?It's very important but then nothing is original these days. We just try to keep on top of things and not get sucked in to lame fashion trends that other seems to jump on. I just make stuff that I'd wear and hope others will be into it aswell.
Which brands out there inspire Who (past/present)?Lot's of brands inspire us but we got mad love for, Diamond supply, RipnDip & Rebel8.
What are you thoughts on "brands" out there that lack any kind of originality?There seems to be 5 new brands popping up everyday, which is cool but allot of them tend to all copy each other.
It would be nice to see loads of different brands popping up rather than them be all the same if you know what I mean.
Any plans on any collaborations in the near future? Yeah we got a few in the works. One of which will be revealed via our summer12' range which drops in June.
What advice would you give to any kids out there considering starting a brand?It's not as easy as you may think, do your research and come up with something different from the rest and stick at it.
Where would you like to see Who? in 5 years time?I'd like to see it still alive haha with a little shop somewhere maybe?
Lastly name your 5 all time greatest skaters? Coming from a skate background back in 1989 I'll be interested with your choices.In no particular order:
Jerry Hsu
Mike Carrol
Andrew Reynolds
Danny Way
Shane O'neil
Any final shoutouts dude?Thanks to those who have helped us get where we are today. The skateboarders, bands, designers, bloggers etc etc
Means alot and we'll try are best to push the brand as far as we can.
Many thanks to Scott for taking the time out to speak to ourselves.
To checkout more on Who? Clothing click
here.