18\05\2015
Written by Tessa Bergmann

Made in prison, inspired by freedom | a creative campaign by Stripes Clothing
As you may have noticed BLEND\BUREAUX is a creative agency that tends to focus on the innovative things to come. This is why we would like to introduce to you Stripes Clothing. With a strong message in mind, Stripes Clothing inspired us with their actions, contrary to us inspiring others. Stripes Clothing is something completely different from all the labels we have come to know.
”When you think of prison you might not expect it to be a place of creativity. You probably think of a place surrounded by barbed wire and concrete walls. A place without any type of inspiration. Stripes Clothing wants to prove otherwise.”
Stripes is a Dutch clothing brand, founded 3 years ago by a group of friends consisting of; Dave, Sascha, Roy and Said. Together they represent Team Stripes, which sounds vaguely like a superhero, though is very fitting. After all, superhero’s save people. Their goal to give inmates a second chance by unlocking their creative potential is what makes this an incredible act of courage and passion. What these four friends try to do is reward people that have made some tough choices in their life. By giving them the opportunity to better themselves, they create a safer chance for a new start in life for inmates after their release. During their sentenced time inmates get the chance to take part in creative classes in art, writing and music. After completing classes they get work related certificates which will help them in their future career.
Their collection is being produced only in the best production facilities in prison, including prisons in Belgium, France and the States. Handcrafted items made of organic durable fabrics, will result in bespoke items of clothing with typography designs by the talented tattoo-artist Henk Schiffmacher.
”These, in our eyes, small changes, mean a lot when your life is as big as a prison cell.”
Everyone deserves a second chance in life, don’t they? All there is left to do is raise money to pursue their goal and fulfill their vision. Support them on their creative journey towards a better future via their crowdfunding project on Kickstarter.