Banter at Bantum

Photoshoot on our roof top in the snow

Working with Simeon Hartwig at Bantum Clothing can be described as nothing more than an 'experience'. A stressful, infuriating and challenging experience!! But one that I would not change for the world and something which becomes strangely addictive that I find myself going back to for more and more.

For a little bit of background info... Bantum Clothing was set up by the one and only rude boy Simeon Hartwig who hit celebrity status when appearing on that cookery programme 'Come Dine With Me'. This is well worth a watch as you can have a good laugh at comments such as 'scallops... isn't that chicken?' and pointing at a picture of Queen Victoria, Simeon cluelessly asks the other contestant if it is a picture of his gran! We can however forgive the boy due to his dashing good looks and charming personality...

Yes this is my 'boss' - I know it is hard to believe..

Anyway... back to the background info... so Simeon set up Bantum a good 5 years ago.. possibly even 6 (he's getting on a bit now) and he did this through The Hive at Nottingham Trent University. The Hive is a hub for entrepreneurship that helps support people in setting up their own businesses. It is in fact the exact same course which I am currently doing in order to set up my business. Now Simeon is... well... he's not the biggest guy you've ever met. So with that in mind he set out to produce a line of clothing for the smaller guys of this world. However Bantum now caters for all shapes and sizes. It is a street-wear company producing brightly coloured and fun casualwear. Check out the website and click on 'Bantum What?!' to get a true understanding of the brand as I feel I can't do it the justice it deserves.

I've worked for Simeon for around 2 years now under the flattering title of 'Bantum Sewing Girl'. The reality is though that Bantum would not be as successful as it is if it wasn't for me.... naaaatttt :) I know though that Simeon has a lot of love for me, he just hides it all inside. I actually first started working for Simeon after a friend recommended me to him. This friend goes by the name of James Huyton. He in fact is another product of The Hive and works freelance as an Illustrator / Artist / Designer - a jack of all trades really. Jim is extremely talented, he's definitely someone to look up to, I love seeing his work and I always feel wowed (and slightly envious) by his sheer talent and drawing ability. So if you need any branding / illustration etc, he's your man! Check out his website for some examples of his work. He also got short listed for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Midlands Business Awards, so James Huyton is a name to watch out for as I believe he has a very promising future ahead of him!

Jimmy at work

So back to Bantum... we make clothes, go to trade shows and events, make videos and have a hell of a lot of fun whilst doing it. Simeon is a brilliant bloke, I've loved working for him, Bantum is a perfect reflection of his personality - fun, creative, mad, out-going, bouncy and playful and I wish him all the success for the future :)

Simeon thinking he's 'ard with a teddy down his trousers sporting a Big Pocket Jumper.
All big pockets are made by myself.

All jumpers worn are designed by Simeon and made by me
You can't see them properly but this is purposeful as they haven't gone in to production yet and we don't want you stealing our ideas!!

To see a video from this photoshoot click here.

Pattern Cutting in the studio

Another photoshoot of most recent collection

 To see a video of this photoshoot click here. All photoshoots are done by friends of Bantum - Sam Kirby and Anthony Hopwood. Both are brilliant photographers so make sure you check out their websites!

Bantum is all about Trade Shows and Events
Here I am at Pure Spirit Trade Show helping to sell Bantum!

Click here for the video of Pure Spirit Trade Show and the out takes of the trip are here.

If you have a spare few minutes make sure you take the time out to watch all the video's linked in - they are a good laugh and show the personality of the Bantum brand.

Check out my advent calendar jumper I made for a Christmas Social courtesy of Bantum!
In the month of December this jumper does not leave my body!

BIG LOVE

cycles and spoons