&theGang: Fashion and accessory in the 90s hiphop style

FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2013 proudly introduces &theGang, a German label that will be represented during the fashion shows and in a pop-up store in the Mosae Forum Maastricht between the 25th of May and the 9th of June. Don't miss the unique chance of buying amazing clothes as well as handmade accessory in the 90s hiphop style. 

Please introduce yourself to our readers:

We started up a fashion collective with Rebecca Fuchs, Anne-Kathrin Bannier and Milena Lehr as members.
 The group is called „&theGANG“. 
Besides to our own labels fucca, houseofhypnos
and zwaluw-clothes we now want to work together.
 Our first project, that we would like to present at Fashionclash is called „the Hoods in the Wood“.

We want to unite our different styles and knowledge in one collection
consisting of mens- and women ́s wear as well as accessory.
 The collection is inspired by the 90s hiphop and dance scene.
 We want to use handmade and digital prints, handknitted pieces, hand dyed denim and wooddetails to form a unique collection.

Itńs getting colourfull, funny and handcrafted.
 We are combining the outfits with parts of our three styles. It is a streetwear collection.


Where are you based?

In the Rhein Ruhr Gebiet.

Can did you guys came up with the idea to work together on a collection?

Last year, when we realized that we will all live near Düsseldorf soon. We knew immediately that we want to work together. Back in Maastricht, we already came along very well, and we know that our styles compliment each other. We also missed the feeling of sharing our workspace, ideas and motivations.

Is it a long-term collaboration or just for this occasion?

This is gonna be a long time collaboration. We are looking for a nice studio at the moment so that we can work closer soon. So: this is just the beginning of SO much more to come!

What inspires you in general?

Street art and -culture, foreign culture and tradition, contrasts and music clips.

What is it like to be a young designer in your city/country?

Luckily, in NRW, there are more and more people that are interested in local culture. After all this mass-consumption in the past, there is now a trend to individualism. Therefore people are willing to push and pay their local goods and designers.

What place/city do you find inspiring?

Planet earth. And the universe.

What is the concept behind your latest collection?

The hood in the woods: We think that a basic feature of our generation is that we love both: the city AND the nature.

We grew up in a time when children went outside(!!) to play. So we have a strong natural bond with the woods.

As we grew older, we started hangin out on the streets and in clubs or we watched MTV.

So this collection is somehow a reflection of our lives and our generation.

Your collection is inspired by the hiphop scene of the 90s. What artists did you have in mind?

Salt-n-Pepa, TLC, Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, C+C Music Factory, Snap

Describe your collection in three words:

Hood, Woods, &theGANG!

Did you always wanted to work in the field of fashion?

Yes.

Do you have a muse? If yes, who is it and why?

Not really…

Who is your favorite fashion designer?

There are soooo many outstanding and great designers. Of course everyone of us has some favorites, but that would be too many to name right now.

What is so far your greatest experience in your 'fashion' career?

Milena: Fashion Week Paris. Anne: Fashion Week Amsterdam. Rebecca: Fashion Week Berlin.

What is on your music list while you're making your collection?

90´s! Pop, Hip Hop, RnB, Dance Hits

What made you smile today?

Planning our Pop Up Store in the Mosae Forum Maastricht! (Opened from May 25^th 2013 – June 09^th 2013! Come, come!!)

What is the latest thing you bought for yourself?

Tough question. We spend almost all of our money for our labels…

What can we expect from you in the future?

A lot of action! Events, workshops, the big launching party, the Pop Up Store. And fashion, of course!