MORE OFTEN THAN not, you’ll find us fashion folk preoccupied with the search for the perfect white T-shirt (heavyweight cotton, high neck and a box fit, since you ask). But that doesn’t mean that our hearts don’t skip a beat when we see a heavilyprinted, multicoloured, hand-embroidered witty slogan, patchwork or tie-dye tee. (See the recent furore surrounding Loewe’s ‘I Told Ya’ slogan tee, loved by Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and JFK Jr himself ). World, meet your current wardrobe refresher: the personality tee. Yes, we’re talking cutesy cartoons, tong ue-in-cheek slogans, kitsch prints, ’90s band merch and enigmatic internet lingo. Forget chic and timeless, this is all about a loud fashion moment.
In pole position is @thefootballgall (aka Diana Al Shammari), the London-based designer who’s customising vintage soccer kits by hand-embroidering them with floral motifs, as recently seen on Joe Jonas during a concert (needless to say, she’s going viral). Rihanna, too, is partial to a top with character. Over the years, she’s been an avid supporter of London designer Conner Ives’ signature upcycled patchwork T-shirts and bandana tops. And fashion enthusiasts were won over by Rihanna’s recent archive A/W ’03 Comme Des Garçons top.
Fashion writer and brand consultant Emma Hope Allwood is one of them, having previously scored a top from the same collection. ‘My bi
