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{{Short description|British clothing company}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{refimprove|date=November 2008}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
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{{Infobox company
{{orphan|date=February 2009}}
⚫
| name = THTC (The Hemp Trading Company)
{{COI|date=December 2008}}
⚫
| logo =
{{cleanup|date=December 2008}}
⚫
| company_slogan =
| industry = [[clothing retailer]]
⚫
| foundation = 1999
| founders = Drew Lawson, Gavin Lawson and Daniel Sodergren.<ref name=roberts>{{cite web|last1=Roberts|first1=Zoe|title=THTC – Inspiring change; one Hip-Hop head at a time|url=http://www.bboynews.co.uk/style/fashion/thtc-%E2%80%93-inspiring-change-one-hip-hop-head-at-a-time/|website=B-Boy News|accessdate=17 September 2015}}</ref>
| location = [[London]], {{postcode|W|3}}<br>[[United Kingdom]]
⚫
| products = [[Apparel]]
⚫
| homepage = [http://www.thtc.co.uk www.thtc.co.uk]
}}
}}


'''THTC''' ('''The Hemp Trading Company''') is an ethically driven underground clothing label, specialising in [[environmentally friendly]], politically conscious street wear made of [[hemp]], [[bamboo textile|bamboo]], [[organic cotton]] and other sustainable fabrics. It was founded by brothers Drew (Dru) and Gav Lawson, and Dan Sodegren in 1999.
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2012}}


==Origins==
⚫
{{Infobox company
The Hemp Trading Company had its origins in Hempology, a "hemp awareness group" at [[University of Hull]]. Offshoots of the group appeared on other campuses, helping consolidate the brand's clubbing and music image.<ref name=pilcher>{{cite book|last1=Pilcher|first1=Tim|title=Spliffs 3 : the last word in cannabis culture?|date=2005|publisher=Collins & Brown|location=London|isbn=9781843403104|page=96|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Cm7Qj64ehZYC&pg=PA96}}</ref> In 1999, the founders, brothers Dru and Gav Lawson and their friend, Dan Sodergren,<ref name=roberts/><ref name=lucy>{{cite news|last1=Siegle|first1=Lucy|title=Pick of the green crop|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/windofchange/story/0,,2217319,00.html.Rob|accessdate=17 September 2015|work=The Guardian|agency=Guardian News and Media Limited|date=2011}}</ref> then set up their business in Bristol and London.<ref name=visor>{{cite news |last1=Siegle |first1=Lucy |title=Good buy: Visor from The Hemp Trading Company|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2005/jan/30/ethicalliving|accessdate=17 September 2015|work=The Observer|agency=Guardian News and Media Limited|date=30 January 2005}}</ref>
⚫
| name = THTC (The Hemp Trading Company)
⚫
| logo =
⚫
| company_slogan =
⚫
| foundation = 1999
| founders = [[Dru and Gav Lawson and Dan Sodergren]]
| location = London, UK
⚫
| products = [[Apparel]]
⚫
| homepage = [http://www.thtc.co.uk thtc.co.uk]
}}


==Company history==
'''THTC''' ('''The Hemp Trading Company''') is an ethically driven underground clothing label, specialising in eco-friendly, politically conscious hemp street wear. THTC is the brainchild of brothers Dru and Gav Lawson, and Dan Sodergren. Spotting a gap in the fashion market, the trio researched the viability of producing a line of [[environmentally friendly]], ethically produced garments and THTC was born. The company now has a basic infrastructure and team with skills in marketing, economics and finance to successfully turn an interest into a professional and ethical business.
⚫
In 2008, Jeremy Smith, editor of ''[[The Ecologist]]'' said that when he started at the magazine in 2001, the general idea of fashionable clothing that was also environmentally friendly was "laughable," but that the Lawson brothers had proved this wrong. He is quoted as saying: "While everyone else seemed to be making ill fitting and deeply unflattering clothes that wouldn't make it into a [[Littlewoods]] catalogue, they were – years before anyone else that I knew of – actually responding to what the young people with whom they remain so connected wanted to be seen wearing. Now of course every [[Kate Moss|Kate]], [[Sienna Miller|Sienna]] and [[Lily Cole|Lily]] wants to be seen in green, but for me it will always be THTC that got there first and did and said it best."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dryden |first1=Sarah |title=Cutting-Edge Fashion With a Clear Conscience |url=http://www.newconsumer.com/news/item/cutting_edge_fashion_with_a_clear_conscience/ |website=New Consumer |publisher=New Consumer Ltd |accessdate=17 September 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201194036/http://www.newconsumer.com/news/item/cutting_edge_fashion_with_a_clear_conscience/ |archivedate=1 December 2008 |date=8 February 2008}}</ref>


In addition to hemp, THTC clothing uses [[bamboo textile|bamboo]] and [[organic cotton]].<ref name=sparkes>{{cite web |last1=Sparkes |first1=Matthew |title=THTC brings musicians on board with hemp|url=http://www.smartplanet.com/news/fashion/10000774/thtc-brings-musicians-on-board-with-hemp.htm|website=Smart Planet|publisher=CBS Interactive Limited|accessdate=17 September 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029061925/http://www.smartplanet.com/news/fashion/10000774/thtc-brings-musicians-on-board-with-hemp.htm|archivedate=29 October 2008|date=19 February 2008}}</ref>
==History==
Born out of a university hempology society, THTC was established back in September 1999 by brothers Dru and Gav Lawson who, along with friend Dan Sodergren, had a vision of creating a design-led ethical fashion brand using organic, sustainable fabrics. The company has remained at the forefront of the ethical fashion movement ever since, and Dru and Gav are founding members of the Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF).<ref>Lawson, Gav:[http://www.thtc.co.uk]"www.thtc.co.uk" Retrieved November 5, 2008</ref>


The firm networked widely with DJs, MCs, musicians and celebrities, to build up their business. In 2006 they were shortlisted for ''[[The Observer]]''{{'s}} annual Ethical Fashion Awards partly due to the support of [[Woody Harrelson]], who was on the judging panel.<ref name=roberts/> By 2008 they had produced merchandise for the bands [[Beardyman]], [[Morcheeba]] and [[Braintax]], widening their customer reach and increasing awareness of sustainable design.<ref name=sparkes/> By 2011, the company had an annual turnover of £100,000 and a London-based team of nine staff, and their clothing had been worn by people as diverse as the performance poet [[Benjamin Zephaniah]], the American rap group [[De La Soul]], and the actor [[Brad Pitt]].<ref name=lucy/>
⚫
Jeremy Smith, former Editor of The Ecologist said of THTC: “When I started work at the Ecologist magazine seven years ago the idea that environmentally friendly clothes could also be at the cutting edge of fashion was laughable. It was back then that I first met Gav and Dru from THTC. While everyone else seemed to be making ill fitting and deeply unflattering clothes that wouldn't make it into a Littlewoods catalogue, they were – years before anyone else that I knew of – actually responding to what the young people with whom they remain so connected wanted to be seen wearing. Now of course every Kate, Sienna and Lily wants to be seen in green, but for me it will always be THTC that got there first and did and said it best.” <ref>Smith, Jeremy: [http://www.newconsumer.com/news/item/cutting_edge_fashion_with_a_clear_conscience/ "Cutting-Edge Fashion With a Clear Conscience"] ''Newconsumer.com'', 8 February 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2008</ref>


In 2012 THTC collaborated with the [[Soil Association]], [[Carbon Trust]] and [[Fair Wear Foundation]] to produce a line of shirts made from 100% organic, hand-harvested cotton, specifically produced using [[wind power]] and stated to have a [[carbon footprint]] that was 90% smaller than that of more typically produced equivalents.<ref name=mogul>{{cite news |last1=Mogul |first1=Priyanka |title=Urban legend: THTC takes environmentalism to the streets |url=http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/clothing/1218684/urban_legend_thtc_takes_environmentalism_to_the_streets.html|accessdate=17 September 2015 |work=The Ecologist |date=25 January 2012}}</ref> Some of the earliest THTC designs were explicitly political, such as a slogan reading "[[George H. W. Bush|George Bush]] & [[George W. Bush|son]], family butchers (est.1989)"<ref name=pilcher/> This combination of political activism, urban music, and [[street art]] is central to the brand, which also produces clothing with prints designed by street artists such as the British [[graffiti]] artist Mau Mau.<ref name=roberts/><ref name=mogul/>
==Products==
The mainstay of all THTC garments is [[organically grown]] [[hemp]]/cotton. Due to the prohibitive cost of hemp, garments are currently manufactured in 55% hemp, 45% certified organic cotton.<ref>[http://www.thtc.co.uk/index.php?p=ethics]"www.thtc.co.uk" Retrieved November 5, 2008</ref> All garments are produced under fair conditions in a facility based in the Shandong province of China, paying employees well over the national minimum wage for their country, as well as ensuring the presence of strong labour unions, health care and pension schemes.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} Company ethics demand that credibility will never be compromised in the name of revenue. THTC has a strong set of business practices to reinforce this, allowing the collective to operate as a profitable and professional company that respects its consumers, suppliers and the [[environment (biophysical)|environment]]. It also aims to divest hemp of its hippie image and, as [[Sustainability|environmental and ethical awareness]] reaches the mainstream, intends to be at the forefront of driving hemp into the realm of credible, urban street wear, via a dynamic brand strategy, select cross-branding and strategic alliances that capitalise on the mood of a disenchanted youth. Striking designs include those created by the iconic contemporary artist [[Mau Mau]] known to many as the ethical Banksy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com |title=Ethical Fashion Forum |publisher=Ethical Fashion Forum |date= |accessdate=2011-04-20}}</ref> THTC design and marketing strives not only to be stylish but also politically conscious, delivering messages that encourage the consumer to consider and question their environment and global issues.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}}


==Collaborations==
==See also==
* [[The Hempest]]
The brand produces merchandise for many bands, magazines, club nights and other ventures that want to make a difference. In most cases these customers are not typically ecologically minded businesses but have seen the value in environmentally conscious merchandise. THTC received endorsements and collaborations from bands [[Beardyman]], [[Morcheeba]] and [[Braintax]]
<ref>Sparkes, Matthew: [http://www.smartplanet.com/news/fashion/10000774/thtc-brings-musicians-on-board-with-hemp.htm "THTC brings musicians on board with hemp"], 19 February 2008. SmartPlanet.com.</ref> and has also worked with legendary Reggae collective; Trojan Sound System, one of the world’s biggest hip-hop labels; [[Universal Zulu Nation|Zulu Nation]], and one of the UK’s most established b-boy nights; [[Throwdown (band)|Throwdown]]. They’ve also joined the [[Burma Campaign UK]]{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} and a number of celebrities to spread awareness and raise funds to help Burma’s fight for independence. In addition, within the last year THTC has been approached by both Maharishi and denim wear market leaders [[Lee Cooper]], with a view of working on co-branded garments.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

;Further reading
* {{cite book|last1=Black|first1=Sandy|title=Eco-chic : the fashion paradox|date=2008|publisher=Black Dog Pub.|location=London|isbn=9781906155094}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hemp Trading Company}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hemp Trading Company}}
[[Category:Companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Companies based in the London Borough of Ealing]]
[[Category:Hemp]]
[[Category:Hemp companies]]
[[Category:Clothing companies based in London]]
[[Category:Clothing companies based in London]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1999]]
[[Category:British companies established in 1999]]
[[Category:1999 in cannabis]]
[[Category:Clothing companies of England]]
[[Category:Clothing retailers of England]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Clothing companies established in 1999]]

Latest revision as of 14:00, 16 August 2024

THTC (The Hemp Trading Company)
Industryclothing retailer
Founded1999
FoundersDrew Lawson, Gavin Lawson and Daniel Sodergren.[1]
HeadquartersLondon, W3
United Kingdom
ProductsApparel
Websitewww.thtc.co.uk

THTC (The Hemp Trading Company) is an ethically driven underground clothing label, specialising in environmentally friendly, politically conscious street wear made of hemp, bamboo, organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics. It was founded by brothers Drew (Dru) and Gav Lawson, and Dan Sodegren in 1999.

Origins

[edit]

The Hemp Trading Company had its origins in Hempology, a "hemp awareness group" at University of Hull. Offshoots of the group appeared on other campuses, helping consolidate the brand's clubbing and music image.[2] In 1999, the founders, brothers Dru and Gav Lawson and their friend, Dan Sodergren,[1][3] then set up their business in Bristol and London.[4]

Company history

[edit]

In 2008, Jeremy Smith, editor of The Ecologist said that when he started at the magazine in 2001, the general idea of fashionable clothing that was also environmentally friendly was "laughable," but that the Lawson brothers had proved this wrong. He is quoted as saying: "While everyone else seemed to be making ill fitting and deeply unflattering clothes that wouldn't make it into a Littlewoods catalogue, they were – years before anyone else that I knew of – actually responding to what the young people with whom they remain so connected wanted to be seen wearing. Now of course every Kate, Sienna and Lily wants to be seen in green, but for me it will always be THTC that got there first and did and said it best."[5]

In addition to hemp, THTC clothing uses bamboo and organic cotton.[6]

The firm networked widely with DJs, MCs, musicians and celebrities, to build up their business. In 2006 they were shortlisted for The Observer's annual Ethical Fashion Awards partly due to the support of Woody Harrelson, who was on the judging panel.[1] By 2008 they had produced merchandise for the bands Beardyman, Morcheeba and Braintax, widening their customer reach and increasing awareness of sustainable design.[6] By 2011, the company had an annual turnover of £100,000 and a London-based team of nine staff, and their clothing had been worn by people as diverse as the performance poet Benjamin Zephaniah, the American rap group De La Soul, and the actor Brad Pitt.[3]

In 2012 THTC collaborated with the Soil Association, Carbon Trust and Fair Wear Foundation to produce a line of shirts made from 100% organic, hand-harvested cotton, specifically produced using wind power and stated to have a carbon footprint that was 90% smaller than that of more typically produced equivalents.[7] Some of the earliest THTC designs were explicitly political, such as a slogan reading "George Bush & son, family butchers (est.1989)"[2] This combination of political activism, urban music, and street art is central to the brand, which also produces clothing with prints designed by street artists such as the British graffiti artist Mau Mau.[1][7]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Roberts, Zoe. "THTC – Inspiring change; one Hip-Hop head at a time". B-Boy News. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  2. ^ a b Pilcher, Tim (2005). Spliffs 3 : the last word in cannabis culture?. London: Collins & Brown. p. 96. ISBN 9781843403104.
  3. ^ a b Siegle, Lucy (2011). "Pick of the green crop". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  4. ^ Siegle, Lucy (30 January 2005). "Good buy: Visor from The Hemp Trading Company". The Observer. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  5. ^ Dryden, Sarah (8 February 2008). "Cutting-Edge Fashion With a Clear Conscience". New Consumer. New Consumer Ltd. Archived from the original on 1 December 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  6. ^ a b Sparkes, Matthew (19 February 2008). "THTC brings musicians on board with hemp". Smart Planet. CBS Interactive Limited. Archived from the original on 29 October 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  7. ^ a b Mogul, Priyanka (25 January 2012). "Urban legend: THTC takes environmentalism to the streets". The Ecologist. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
Further reading
  • Black, Sandy (2008). Eco-chic : the fashion paradox. London: Black Dog Pub. ISBN 9781906155094.
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