Less is More
Posted by Gavin
We're nothing if not predictable at Spartan. There are certain things we really believe in - both about the way in which we design our garments and the way in which we do business - and we can get quite dogmatic in our relentless pursuit of those things.
So when we say 'less-is-more' we really believe in it - especially when it comes to our SEVERN Skinwear brand
.What does it actually mean? Well, it means the simpler the garment - the more effective and efficient it's going to be. That's why you don't see us offering dozens of different 'styles' [and you never will] especially when it comes to suits. Some companies pride themselves on the sheer number of different options - and some even invite you to create your own [something we would strongly advise against unless you happen to be a pattern cutter, garment technologist or textile designer]. We pride ourselves on the fact that we offer no more than half-a-dozen different styles. Never forget that the more seams you put into something [and the more complicated it becomes], the more likely it is to go wrong - and that is true of anything in life. Quality not quantity - 'corny' but very true.
When we come to design a garment the first thing we worry about is how to make the garment as comfortable as possible. Then we look at whether it will help your body perform when it needs to [and this is where the choice of fabrics becomes so important - something else we have become increasingly obsessed by]. So if we put a stripe into something - then it is normally there for a reason [and not just so you can look colourful]. We never forget that customising is a key part of our business and so everything we design has the option of customising it somehow [even our cutting-edge SPARTAN Black Label garments]. We just never forget what's important - you looking glamorous or you being comfortable. 'Suffering for your art' might be fine for high-end fashion but not for high-energy sports.
That doesn't mean we aren't constantly looking for new and innovative ways to make our garments stand-out. Far from it - it just means we are looking at ways that are consistent with our beliefs. Take for example a new technique that we are currently working on with the guys who now supply all the Meryl Comp [our specially enhanced skinwear fabric]. They have a very impressive machine that allows you to actually 'knit' self-coloured motifs into the actual fabric. It only works with certain logos but when it does the end result looks amazing. Subtle - yet striking - AND comfortable. Just the sort of 'style' we believe in.
Anyway, less-is-more. Great theory - but does it actually work? "Am very pleased about the kit this year.... some great changes to last year."
Now we're not normally great fans of customer testimonials but in this case we think it sums up nicely where we are [in terms of our beliefs and the concept of 'constant improvement' that we also subscribe to]. Especially as the source is Nick Brody, the current OUBC President and a man known for speaking his mind [he is a cox after all...]. And the suit that both OUBC and CUBC have chosen for 2008 [obviously utilising the new Meryl Comp]? The Alpa.1 - the simplest suit that we offer.
So keep looking out for more innovative garments from our Design Team in the future - just don't expect them to look as though they have been designed as part of a GCSE art project with a set of felt tip pens.
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