In this issue of ASIAN VOICE, we feature OCTO GAMBOL , a streetwear brand from Hong Kong. It was established for an interest instead of business, but gradually discovered the joy of expressing life attitude and spreading of messages. Now, OCTO GAMBOL is already a relatively mature brand, which possesses three innovative main series, OCTO GAMBOL, Capsule Series and Octobol Studio. When you first see its logo, designs, photos etc., you will find out that it is a brand full of creativity and originality that may take your breath away.
Nana: Please give us an introduction about OCTO GAMBOL.
Octo: Form transformation, functionality and comfort are the elements that we have been focusing
on. We are committed to showing designs that have never appeared on the market in an urban functional style and bringing a new definition to clothing.
“Strive for excellence” has always been our brand’s core value and a slogan reminding ourselves. Although we are not the perfect one, the constant pursuit of excellence is our persistence. We pursue breakthroughs and innovations in every piece of work. Hoping our clothing is not only visually influential, but also convenient for lifestyle.
Nana: Why did you initially create the brand and name it “OCTO GAMBOL”?
Octo: Our brand was established in 2012. “Octo” is named after the designer as well as the founder of the brand, and “Gambol” is from our previous Breakdancing crew called “Gambol Crew”. The brand was simply created for crew tee originally. After Gambol Crew had disbanded, the spirit continued to the brand, OCTO GAMBOL.
We established the brand just for interest at the beginning, not as a business. We randomly produced some graphic tees we wanted. Later, we found out this is a way to spread messages and attitudes towards life. We got encouragement from admiration and gradually developed from the design of simple print tees and casual pants to various design concepts.
Nana: What has influenced the creation of the brand and the pieces designed for your brand?
Octo: We have been thinking about this question as well. We believe that there is no specific influence. But any little matters in life can be our inspiration. Indeed, the feelings of the moment are the most dominant in our creation.
We are also very fascinated by any extraordinary works. The message brought by each piece of work is unique. “There is no particular favorite style we must follow.”
As long as the work is novel enough, we can be inspired no matter music, music video, movie or animation, etc. The more innovative the work, the more inspiring we are.Clothing is interconnected with lifestyle as it is to be worn every day. We consider clothing to be an expressive way. Our ultimate goal is to convey messages behind each product. And hope that each product has its unique meaning of existence because creation should not be limited to a framework.
Nana: How do you come up and decide on the themes for your collections?
Octo: We don’t have a specific rule on the themes. Each theme is unique. We like to create new themes based on the feeling in the moment. Like, we don’t have the habit of carrying bags, But sometimes it was inconvenient to have no bags to put the belongings in. That’s why we designed pants with various storage pockets. And to cope with the hot weather in summer, we designed a collection with higher flexibility and breathability.
We have three main series – OCTO GAMBOL (principal line), Capsule Series, Octobol Studio.
OCTO GAMBOL – Committed to advocating the incorporation of functionality needed in urban lifestyle into fashion as our design development. Maintain extraordinary design and bring about the greatest practicality. Maintain extraordinary design for greatest practicality. The use of unique tailoring and irregular shapes brings a new definition to clothing.
OCTO:CAPSULE series – It is a more casual series, and created with classics and paintings.
It presents the concept of the brand with a simple and direct feeling.
OCTOBOL STUDIO – a new branch line established in 2020. This line is presented in a higher transformation and created with a more sci-fi design concept. Produce high-functional collections that coordinate with the intertwined arcs and extremely high form changes.
Nana: Is there a particular artist, movie, place, trend, book etc. that you would recommend our readers to check for inspiration?
Octo: Of course! All of our team are anime fans. Hahaha! We unanimously recommend the Japanese anime “One Piece”! Although this has nothing to do with our creative inspiration, the adventure spirit of never giving up from the main character, Luffy, is a great encouragement to us. Luffy has a group of like-minded partners to go on adventures and achieve impossible missions through cooperation, which is very similar to what we have experienced, teamwork and mutual growth are the values that we care about.
Nana: In what way do use social media to promote your brand?
Octo: We mainly release new products and interact with customers through instagram and facebook.
Nana: Could you tell us the meaning and the messages of the innovative logo of OCTO GAMBOL? How did you blend it into products?
Octo: Our LOGO is composed of a hand and eye. We think vision and sensation are the most important aspects of experiencing a garment.
Vision – The product should be well-fitting, eye-catching and unique, and the styling photos should also bring out the message behind incorporated with the theme.
Sensation – The combination of the fabric and quality of the product will sublimate the experience.
These two elements contained in the logo not just made what our brand is, but also a commitment to our supporters.
Nana: We can see some 3D models in the products of OCTO GAMBOL. How do you see the relationship between technology and fashion?
Octo: This is the way of presentation of our Capsule Series. We designed a head with one-eyed as
the logo of the series. Since this image cannot be achieved in reality, we utilized 3D technology to create a 3D model.
Technology is being more advanced nowadays, it can be an important factor to facilitate new fashion trends. Through the coordination of technology, it can also be greatly helpful in terms of practicality and vision. We are actively studying the possibility in the direction of technology development, and hope to reveal it to the public in the near future!
Nana: Can you tell us about some of the most challenging experiences you have had during the process of building your brand?
Octo: Time and cost are the biggest challenges we have experienced. As our products are very complex and alternative, the design process may take longer than usual and we have to work around the clock to catch the launch date.
There used to be a lot of imaginative designs that were stopped due to cost issues. And the factory was reluctant to produce our design because it was too complicated. After a long period of attempts, we have found highly qualified and trustworthy partners fortunately.
Nana: Do you have any advice for our readers who are seeking to find a way to build a brand just like “OCTO GAMBOL”?
Octo: Pay attention to whatever you encounter in life, every little thing can be the inspiration to your creation! Never limit yourself in a frame. Keep pursuing innovation and improvement in everything but not only fashion. Remember to strive for excellence.
Nana: What is your impression of the current fashion in Hong Kong and what do you think has influenced it?
Octo: Hong Kong fashion has been more diverse than before. People get to pay more attention to the quality and details of clothing. We are glad to see this is a very good progress for Hong Kong fashion. It helps to motivate more creative new brands and promote the local fashion industry. We are also looking forward to the new trends in the future.
Never limit yourself in a frame.
octo gambol
