We were sent two tees by this California based company, so here’s the scoop. I want to review this company in two ways: the first one purely fashion based, the second purely based off of their “philosophy” which they tried to convey on their website. Let’s start with the gear: they make 6 t-shirts. This is not a “collection”, sorry!  But hey, we’re in a recession, and everyone’s cutting down. So let’s move forward from that, but it had to be said, that this is nowhere near a complete line. I do have to say though, these are dope designs. I like almost the entire “line”….i wasn’t blown away, but i like them. We were sent these two:

Maybe i’m jaded cause i just watched “Tyson”, an amazing documentary about Iron Mike, so i loved that design. A nice two tone, pixelated, interesting design. Straightforward, clean and simple. Not much more to add. The “Old Dirty Bastard is in heaven” tee is a bit silly, i mean is he really ?, but it’s a cool way to rep for all the fans, ODB as we knew him: dirty. I don’t know what the source was for the original picture and i have to laugh at ODB ever being an angel, but hey, for the fans, this is a cool RIP tee. Both prints were nicely done, on a fairly standard tee, with details being the logo on the left sleeve as well as a printed logo and details inside the neck. Not much more and no prints on the back. All in all, i’d rock either one a few times, definitely the Tyson one.

Since this is a small “line”, i  might as well feature all the other designs as well:

I like the logo, but in general not a fan of rockin’ logo tees, the lion design reminiscent of stukko or ornamental decorations on and inside of old buildings, has been done to death by the likes of Green Apple Tree and similar, but the fishscale design as well as the “Real Men Wear Black” (really?) are very nicely executed. Once again clean and simple, yet geometrically intricate, interesting layouts and classy enough to be rocked with a blazer, these really represent the highlights of the “collection” to me. All in all, there is not one tee that i did not like, it’s a solid start, and i hope they will be able to translate their clean t-shirt designs into a full line of cut and sew and other articles. Best of Luck!

I do have to talk about this company’s mission statement a little, as well as their website. Though it’s layed out quite nicely, the very first picture is a congregation of muslims praying in a mosque. Though the logo is a pretty straight rip from the turkish flag (the owner’s name looks spanish to me so i am not sure what the connection is there), i see the connection to the muslims praying but then again, that is religion you’re bringing into the picture, and that already turns me off right off the bat. Keep that out of streetwear. There is no need for it and nowhere else on this site are you making any sort of religious reference, so this is just completely unnecessary. Another thing: here is an excerpt from the mission statement…

“Produced in California and currently focusing on men’s clothing, the Apollo Kids’ line is a reflection of who we were, who we are and who we what to be (the past, present and future). Each design represents a significant influence on the Apollo Kids, which could be anything from music to the arts to social issues. Admittedly the line is only a tool to support a greater cause.

The Apollo Kids’ main cause is to motivate and support individuals to make the world the way they see fit. Whether that’s politically, artistically, spiritually, environmentally, it does not matter, as long the individual recognizes his/her own strengths and passions and utilizes them to the fullest. In essence…”

So your influences are Tyson and Old Dirty Bastard. Fair enough. But what social issues are you addressing ? And if this line is only a tool to support a greater cause, which cause is that ? Where is my money going ? I’d love it if this was some sort of charity i’m supporting but please don’t spew out big ideas with no support whatsoever. And if your main cause is to “motivate and support individuals to make the world as they see fit, whether it’s politically, (…), spiritually, environmentally….” what exactly are you referring to ? Are you fighting the pollution of the oceans ? Who are you supporting politically ? And what do you mean “it does not matter” ??? Are you out of your mind ? IT MATTERS VERY MUCH!!! The KKK is really only a group of individuals making the world as they see fit. Do you support them as well ? This is such a wishy washy all over the place statement, you’re much better off to just say: “I love design. Here are some cool tees.” Don’t try to make it something bigger without having any details to back what the hell you’re saying. To quote Mr. Chappelle: “When keeping it real goes wrong!”

Last piece of advice: don’t sell one color prints at $32 dollars a tee, and please tell us on your site which stores you’re in. Best of luck, the clapback will keep watchin ya!

Check out:

http://www.apollokidsonline.com/

Keep this company on yer radars, peoples!