PROJECT DETAILS
When UpNorth expressed that they were interested in sourcing high-quality branded apparel, my first instinct was to contact Grassroots California. Grassroots specializes in custom hats, apparel and other accessories, and is known for their visually-striking designs. I suggested having some fitted flat bill hats produced by Grassroots.
After setting up an initial design meeting between myself, UpNorth and Grassroots, each party provided their ideas regarding what they'd like to see on the hat. After seeing a few mock ups and a making a few rounds of revisions to the design, the end result is what you see pictured here.
Notable elements include:
raised and embroidered UpNorth circular brand on the outside of the hat, offset from the center
green accented stitching
black repeating circular brand on outer front panels
UN repeating pattern on underside of bill
Bud Coast print on inside of cap
Aside from the Grassroots Fitted Flat Bill Hat, UpNorth was also interested in having a nice jacket produced to showcase their branding. They decided on going with a reversible hoodie from Grassroots to accompany their hats.
The initial concept was centered around having a conservative outer layout, with a loud, striking interior design. Grassroots was able to put together the outer design pretty quickly after some input from UpNorth and myself. The interior, however, ended up being a little trickier to put together. After UpNorth rejected the first two interior designs produced by Grassroots, I suggested making the interior of the hoodie look similar to the interior of UpNorth's Eighth Boxes (which I also designed the interior of).
After creating a mock up of my idea for the interior of the hoodie, UpNorth approved of the design. I sent the elements used in the design to Grassroots, who then proceeded to produce the limited run of reversible hoodies. What you see pictured here is the end result of the project.
