Fashion Sponsorship?

[verb]

This is probably a very odd question for these boards since everyone (myself included) is content spending lots of $$$ on boards but I was wondering if anyone here has been endorsed or sponsored by a label.

I DJ 2-3 nights a week (quickly becoming 4-5 nights per week) in NYC and across the US and always purchase expensive clothes that make me stand out and visually unique. Because of the DJing, I'm constantly featured in nightlife photog sites and a few magazines.

So I'm wondering... maybe I can get some of these labels to send me free clothes?

Does anyone have experience reaching out and if so, what approach worked best? My booking agent does alcohol sponsorships all the time for me but this is a slightly different beast since labels are notoriously afraid of giving out free product in worry of reducing their bottom line.

Advice?

[polishmike]

Unless you're willing to wear a Svedka tee I wouldn't count on any freebies.

There is a chance a small startup company would give you some free stuff but only if you have a lot of exposure. Maybe Neuman can tell you more, he's well known but I'm not sure if he gets free clothes, probably just free ass.

[Charlie Delta]

Pharrel Williams ordered two leather jackets from Bernhard Willhelm, one of wich was custom as it was in a colour that was not normally produced.

He had to pay for both of them...

Edit:

on the other hand, friends of mine are in a well know band (atleast in the netherlands) and they get free stuff all the time, lower level labels though.

Skate brands, Diesel, the like...

So yea I guess it depends on what you're aiming for...

Most of the brands being talked about on sufu, aren't interested as they simply don't need it...

[verb]

Most of the brands being talked about on sufu, aren't interested as they simply don't need it...

Good point :\ I'm hoping some of the smaller labels that are looking to make a name for themselves internationally might be interested. Hedi used to provide free leather jackets to his favorite bands but... I guess Dior Homme isn't exactly small

More than likely the only brands that will bite are people like GrnAppleTee and unfortunately, I'm not big on the 'omg supa cool design' shops that are popping up left and right.

I will try reaching out to Kenzo Minami though just because...

[Jay1973]

E-mail the companies you have in mind and see if they would be interested in getting a press pack from you. It can happen, a friend of mine scored a gig w/Steve Vai and as soon as they knew he was in Steve's band, he got ANY guitar/amp/endorsement he wanted. He also scored a clothing endorsement,just some American streetwear brand,but he got one none the less. It's all about how how visible you are to the public. If they think you will influence someone to buy their product, they will give you free clothes.

[chingon]

My friend was just recently informed that he will be getting free miska stuff from his inclusion in Bootleg sessions. It isn't exactly high-fashion, but as streetwear, it's pretty dope, and there might be some possibility of Mishka throwing you some free stuff (they seem to like dj's)

[Ry'on]

I think you would have a better chance getting some gear through actual stores rather than brands or lines. They are probably more likely to get down on a personal level, as long as your down to point people in teh direction of your shop. That seems like a better idea, especially starting off.

[DüM]

I remember a few people coming in while I was at mishka and picking shit up, they were cool about that (assuming they like what you're doing)