There is a new Tee-shirt label that has caught my eye lately in Berlin - and that is JA BÖRNSKI. Their beautifully illustrated Tees are seriously eye catching and very unique. Once i got my hands on their 'madonna' Tee, (see opening image) I have lots count of how many have asked me 'where did you get that Tee from?'. I spoke with founder Bennek, to get the inside scoop of what JA BÖRNSKI is really all about.
What is the main philosophy of JA-BÖRNSKI?
We love what we do and we love special styles. We are really against bulk production.
Our statement is::: I LIKE YOU! That says a lot about us.
How many designers/illustrators are you?
Bennek is the initiator and creative head of the label JA-BÖRNSKI. We also have a team of people with many talents in silk-screen printing, design, PR, web programming, music.
How long does it take you to draw a finished t-shirt design? Do you go through many re-edits?
It looks easier than it really is and and so it should do. Very briefly, design includes: research, taking photos, editing, drawing with ink, painting silhouettes, sewing the organic cotton tees, good mood ;-) Then getting the motif on the screen, each product is screen printed by hand using environment-friendly inks, tees have 2 days to dry. Wach tee is stamped and numbered on the inside.
Are you a Berlin-brand?
JA-BÖRNSKI are based in Berlin. Our studio/showroom in prenzlauer berg.
Where do you, the founders, originally come from and how has that influenced your creative journey?
We come from Berlin. We study: graphic design, media design, communication, textile design influenced: streetart, silhouettes, urban art, glam, dark glam, fashion, people, life!
What about Berlin inspires you the most or do you take inspiration more from your travels?
It’s a global style, that runs in Berlin and outside of Berlin… JA-BÖRNSKI also loves London and the art-meets-fashion style of Antwerp.
What is it you love so much about T-shirts?
!!! give a statement. It's about the transportation of signs in your environment, on the street, at work, at a party... in bed with your tee. Into the clubs....Everyone wears tees, everyone needs tees. Tees are a fetish, this is not a new message.
Are there any new elements/products you planing on bringing in for 2012?
We always only do a limited edition 1 to 250. So this requires a lot of consideration, and new ideas. Everything is possible. We are working on expanding our collection and are creating some new exciting things yes! We also have silk-screen printings on canvas and paper and are showing these in exbitions.
Do you plan to open a physical shop anytime soon?
We currently sell our stuff through our website and in some concept stores. We have the idea of a house of jäbbbbbbb (physical shop). jäbbbbbbb stands for JA-BÖRNSKI ::::: lifestyle, subculture, music:::: in Berlin.
Can you each tell me your current favourite JA-BÖRNSKI Tee shirt?
Our current favorite JA-BÖRNSKI tee is the new special style::: norbi style #2b… and our current favorite paper picture frame is the motif ismael. We voted in our team about it.
Thank you guys!
Thank you too BANG BANG BERLIN!
