Plain Prints Project, a unique fashion brand from Singapore, is redefining how shirts are perceived with their vibrant and artistic prints. Specializing exclusively in men’s shirts, the brand offers an extensive collection that will keep you browsing for hours, each piece a testament to the brand’s dedication to high-quality fabric and distinctive design.
Founded by Oliver Hee, who is involved in his family’s fabric business, Plain Prints Project emerged from his personal passion for textiles. Hee works as a distributor of high-end European fabrics, sourcing textiles from Switzerland, France, Italy, and London. “It’s a little hobby of mine to buy good-quality European fabrics to make my own clothes,” Hee explained. His interest in fabrics gradually evolved into a side project, and thus, Plain Prints Project was born.
Hee’s journey into the world of fashion wasn’t planned. He began by making custom shirts and pants for friends who admired the fabrics he used. Inspired by their encouragement, he launched the brand after they surprised him with a website to sell his creations. “I was so surprised and didn’t want their efforts to go to waste, so I came up with the brand name and started selling online,” Hee shared.
The name, Plain Prints Project, reflects Hee’s belief that prints should be as commonplace as plain designs. He wanted to challenge the norms and inspire men to embrace vibrant prints to express their individuality. “I hope to encourage more men to wear vibrant prints – anybody can wear them, and they are so much fun,” Hee stated.
In the early stages, Hee utilized fabrics from his own collection and leftover textiles to create his shirts. Later, he collaborated with Alex, a talented teen artist with autism, to turn his artworks into shirts. This partnership expanded his vision to include collaborations with other artists on the autism spectrum to give them more exposure. “It just grew from there, with ideas about working with artists with autism to showcase their work,” Hee explained.
Beyond collaborations, Hee also creates original designs. Drawing on his business connections in Italy, he works closely with Italian textile mills to turn his sketches into printed fabrics. “I’d send them drawings and mood boards, and then we’d work on the prints together, making changes along the way until every aspect about the design sits well with me,” he said.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability is another cornerstone of Plain Prints Project. Every shirt is made upon order, ensuring that only garments that are purchased are produced. This slow-fashion approach means customers can expect high-quality, personalized pieces. Hee meticulously measures and cuts the fabric by hand before sending it to the tailor for sewing. “When I receive an order, I will measure, cut the fabric, send to the tailor and get it sewn. Once it’s done, I’ll give the garment a once-over and then send it off to the customer,” Hee shared.
Plain Prints Project also ensures that its fabrics are environmentally friendly. Hee uses 100% certified eco-friendly cotton, and the pigment inks used for printing are non-toxic. “Many fabric mills out there use heavy chemicals and do not properly dispose of the chemical-laden production waste. In contrast, the mill that produces our fabrics employs a fabric finishing process that requires only high heat and no chemicals whatsoever,” Hee explained.
The brand’s focus on shirts stems from their versatility. A shirt, Hee believes, is the best garment to showcase colorful prints. “It took us some time and many paper patterns to come up with the Plain Prints Project signature cut. We headed for a comfort fit that allows for movement but yet sits smartly on the body,” Hee said. While currently only offering one shirt style, he has plans to expand the collection with more cuts in various fabrics.
Although Plain Prints Project is designed with men in mind, Hee has also sold shirts to women who prefer them as oversized pieces. Additionally, some friends have made special requests for shirts for their children, though Hee is not planning to venture into children’s wear just yet.
The brand primarily operates online, but Hee also takes it to pop-up events like Boutiques Singapore and Design Orchard, a multi-label store showcasing promising local fashion brands. At these events, Hee offers a limited amount of stock and introduces new pieces. At the upcoming Boutiques Singapore event in March, Hee will present two new items: a unisex kimono robe and a women’s shirt dress, along with his signature shirts.
Plain Prints Project is not just about shirts; it’s about making a statement through prints that turn each garment into a wearable piece of art.
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