Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
ACCORDING TO the website www.reggaecd.com, the Garnet Silk clothing line is "the fastest selling style of T-shirts" in the Reggae Rags Clothing Line, based in Brooklyn, New York, USA. The clothing line, which features the image of the late Garnet Silk, was licensed exclusively to Reggae Rags by the Administrator General's Department in November 2004 and has rekindled the popularity of the late singer, who died in 1994. The line was launched in April 2005.
Under the agreement, the proceeds from the shirts go towards Silk's estate and his family.
Backed by the growing demand for all things reggae, the designs are popular both locally and on the international market. The shirts have been worn by several Jamaican artistes, including Freddy McGreggor and Voice Mail.
SOLD OUT
Eric Jones of Reggae Rags, who was born in Manchester, Jamaica, reports that the Garnet Silk line has sold out its first run and the company is now going into their second batch. He said the company's aim is "to embolden the urban international presence of reggae and dancehall by depicting and emphasising the colours, themes and culture of the music". He added that the company was formed many years ago as he saw the vacuum in the market and decided to fill the gap.
A release from Reggae Rags said "the Reggae Rags clothing line continues to enjoy phenomenal success and expansion. Reggae Rags clothing is now available in 41 retail stores in 15 countries around the world, with applications received daily from stores wishing to carry our line". Their men's T-shirts, ladies tops and hoods are made from 100 pre-shrunk heavyweight cotton.
Another popular design displays the signature lion head, and the clothes are available in various colours.
Reggae Rags, described as "a global leader in reggae and speciality merchandising", intends to have an endorsement deal with a major reggae artiste shortly. They also hope to get merchandising rights for other Jamaican artistes.
The company advertises through televised commercials, which are aired on Suzie Q's Fiwi TV in Jamaica, CIN (the Caribbean Cable Station in New York), and in England.
