1st
Revy’s own Somewon Snow launches new clothing line
Somewon Snow is a super Revelstoke-based clothing company - you’ve probably seen their trademark logo on stickers or hoodies throughout the town; I know I’ve got one on my bumper! They’ve launched their new clothing line and they’re throwing some parties around the region to celebrate. The 2010/2011 clothing line launch will feature the video premiere of “Now You Know” by Sandbox Films, and live music by Chron Goblin and DJ R3, with guests Blues Bones. With tons of prize and schwag giveaways, along with drink specials all night, you don’t wanna miss out on this opening weekend extravaganza.
The parties are on Thursday, December 2 at Bulldogs North in Fernie, Friday December 3 at Golden Taps Pub in Golden, and Saturday, December 4 at the River City Pub (the Regent) in Revelstoke. At each event, doors open at 8:00 pm and the vid starts at 9:30. Local sponsors are Commit Snow and Skate in Fernie, Darkside in Golden, and Society Snow and Skate in Revy.
The crew is very proud of the work they’ve done, and the release of this new line represents years of hard work and dedication. Founder Mark Baron has been making shirts for friends as a hobby for years and then decided to start up the company several years ago. Jen Kipling joined the Somewon Snow team more than a year ago, and takes care of the day-to-day operations, as Mark spends quite a bit of time overseas as an exploration geologist. Mark has been in Revelstoke for several years, and Jen is coming up on the one-year point. Both plan to call Revelstoke home.
The clothing is hip and versatile. The line includes t-shirts with an incredible variety of cool graphics, slick hoodies, and hats, with stuff for men, women and kids. Nearly all the screen printing is done by hand here in Revelstoke - it was a long, hot summer printing clothing, they laugh. Check out the whole line-up on Facebook or on their website.
Somewon has several designers on the team, and work with artists spread across the country. “We work with graphic artists looking for ways to get their art out there, and we also work with conventional artists, painters and graffiti artists. Working with Canadian artists is important to the team: “[w]e want to get Canadian artists exposure. We want to push our brand as a Canadian brand first, and then get it out to other countries as well.” Somewon Snow has expanded into Ontario over the past two years, and are looking to grow south along West Coast ski hills. They’ve also got their sights set on expanding into New Zealand, Australia and Japan.
“A lot of the artists we use are good friends of ours, so it makes sense to support them so that they help us as well,” says Jen. The bands they choose to headline parties are also often friends of the Collective. “The whole lifestyle fits,” she says, “music, snowboarding and clothing.” The idea behind the Somewon Collective is to join music, art and design under one roof and one brand so that everyone is supported and encouraged.
The Winter 2010/2011 line will be in stores throughout the winter. Pick yours up in Revelstoke at Society Snow and Skate. “It’s very satisfying to have something we’re so proud of,” says Mark. Karl Jost of Society “is really excited for us since we’re local,” he continues.
“Each year we’ve been doing this it gets a bit better and better,” says Mark, and they’ve managed to accomplish each goal they set out to achieve.
Somewon Snow spent last season working with the Alberta Snowboard Association helping to organize and sponsor slopestyle and boardercross events. This year they will work with the BC snowboard association to promote, organize and sponsor snowboarding events in this province. Jen also works as a race secretary for FIS (and Mark often competes). ASA events are a great way to reach a younger audience, says Jen, since they tend to do a lot of other events in bars. They’d love to get an annual event going at RMR in the same vein as the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler.
Last year they released snowboarding videos throughout the winter, filmed at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. They plan to make similar conditions videos this year. “It’s also a great way to get exposure for our bands, and get the brand more visible,” notes Jen. Keep an eye on their website or join their Facebook group for more updates. They’ve got some great Somewon team members rounded up this year as well. Revelstoke team riders include Greg Ryan, Mark Baron, Sean Barrett, Ben Rodd and Ryan Ogloff.
