We Need To Talk About Bevan must make an admission. We have recently received a donation in kind of clothing from the fine folks at Slogun and in the interests of transparency we must declare it to our loyal readers. Unlike some prominent figures the fiscal valuation of this generous donation did not run to five figure sums (instead a somewhat more reasonable two figure sum running to £29 + P&P) and WNTTAB is singularly unlikely to be Prime Minister any time soon (though hope springs eternal).
Rather WNTTAB's inbox received a communique from Slogun informing us that they had chanced upon our output (c/o a Billy Bragg quote) and enquired if WNTTAB would like to add to our collection. A swift back & forth of emails ensued (clarifying and confirming that the shirt was free, gratis, and for nothing - just in case it was akin to that situation in a restaurant where sundries are proffered with the exorbitant price concealed) and the deal was struck. WNTTAB confirmed that they would be happy to be recipient of yet another politically inspired garment and that we would be only too happy to review it (although for clarity this was proffered by WNTTAB).
For those in the political arena please take note: this is how you declare your interests. Did Slogun offer and send a shirt in the hope of a write up? Very possibly (although given the lack of alacrity on WBTTAB's part to finish this article they would have every right to be disappointed). Is my glowing review in part because I didn’t have to spend any money on my new top? I'd like to think not but I can't discount it entirely and by prominently stating its providence at least readers have the full details at their disposal.
When the story of a certain leader’s prodigious (albeit idiosyncratic) support for the clothing industry broke I mused that I couldn't see the scenario where I would be amenable to such things. I have a couple of good suits and my day-to-day office wear is decidedly high street (and these were purchased on a salary decidedly below that of an MP's Wage). I don't have room in my wardrobe for circa £16,000 worth of my clothing...
There is also the matter of intent and outcome. My sartorial style may be best described as 'activist chic' and the shirt sits comfortably within this designation. Now imagine spending the equivalent of a house deposit and merely looking like your ostensible political foes.
Feeling expansive (& with the French election fresh in my mind) I selected the Aux Armes Etc Heavyweight Unisex Crewneck T-shirt bearing the legend "AUX ARMES ETC." over the image of Eugene Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. As Slogun’s site attests the quote stems is a “tribute to [Serge Gainsbourg] controversial Aux Armes Et Cetera version of the French national anthem, La Marseilleise.” fusing two revolutionary traditions which while occupying differing milieu remain distinctly French.
Having long been a de facto devotee of the apocryphal Henry Ford quote "You can have it in any colour as long as its black" (here endeth my fondness for Mr Ford. Solidarity now and always with the UAW & other opponents of fascism) I felt it was time to add a touch of colour to my wardrobe (beyond red) and selected a somewhat counterintuitive 'Royal Blue'. Slogun offers a range of colours across its shirts (numbering half a dozen plus by my count).
Its 100% Cotton construction feels comfortable and I can confirm that it washes well and the image remains in excellent condition which is a much undervalued trait in political ware.
When I was a teenager finding my feet politically voice I came home with a variety of Left Wing clobber by which I could assert my numerous stances (so many stances – many of which I maintain today). The effect was somewhat undermined by my mum with the delicious line "Those will wash well" which wasn't quite the reaction I was hoping to elicit. Of course, in time I have come to appreciate her words on the matter.
Slogun proudly proclaims that the “shirt is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us slightly longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.” A laudable commitment to sustainability which (as they signpost) means you’re best planning your purchase a little in advance if you’re intending to sport their wares at a specific event.
Of course Slogun is not solely a purveyor of French political protest ware (although of that genre a shout out for their Napoleon number) but a wide variety of shirts in categories ranging from rebellion and politics through to a vast swathe of music genres including Punk, Indie, and my beloved 2 Tone (if I hadn't gone for 'Aux Armes Etc.' then this 'Ghost Town Halloween' shirt would have made the cut). Slogun warrants a leisurely peruse regardless of your interests.
Billy Bragg asserted that ‘The revolution is just a T-shirt away' and it was on the strength of that statement that my site was found by Slogun. I can’t guarantee that purchasing clothing from this store will be the spark by which the revolution is ignited but I believe that consciousness can be raised by art and that political shirts are part of that tradition. As Slogun themselves proclaim "Blank is boring. Make your statement with Slogun. A Slogun t-shirt is more than just fabric and ink - it’s a canvas for a powerful message."
So comrades:
AUX APPAREL ETC.
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