Paul Sid is a true connoisseur of casual wear, in the game for many a year, and the mind behind the exciting brand RETREAT. Retreat has gained many fans and followers since its inception, and the down-to-earth nature behind the brand continues to drive it forward with an authenticity that sets it apart from other brands on the scene. We got a chance to pose a few questions to Paul and quiz him about Retreat and more!

What’s your name, where are you from, what do you do?

My name is Paul Sudron (Paul Sid for short) and I am from a small seaside town in the North east of England called Hartlepool. I am the creative director and owner of Retreat which is basically a part time project for me which allows me to continue with my passion for creativity and art. I have a full time 9-5 job and I’m a full time family man so I can only focus on Retreat in my spare time.

Tell us a little bit more about Retreat.

I started Retreat in 2005. The initial aim was to just release a few graphical designs for t-shirts for myself and my friends. I was bored of the designs which were being made by some of the established brands and thought I could release some designs which were both different and which could compete with these brands.

The name Retreat came about from our own personal opinions both politically and socially. We feel that some of our designs may express personal feelings and we may occasionally question international conflict, but our final aim is not to solely preach, but to produce some fresh and original powerful graphics for you all, whiles having fun along the way.

What’s your vision for Retreat over the next few months / years?

I don’t really look too much towards the future when it comes to the brand as you never know what is around the corner. I’m a little surprised we have lasted this long. It’s a tough game to get into, and an even tougher one to maintain.

Our main focus is to create solid designs that cater for all markets, and not just the manufactured ones which have been aligned to a specific scene. Applying mainly discharged and waterbased inks, we aim to produce garments to the highest quality.

Who are some of the other brands out there who you look up to?

From growing up I got into the skateboard brands which really got me into the graphical side. From Santa Cruz to Powell. The designs were always colourful and eye catching. I then moved onto the early pioneers of what is now known as Streetwear. I liked brands such as Supreme and Bathing Ape but over the last 8 years I haven’t really followed any of them as they don’t inspire me.

Brands and designers I do like include Answer, The Trilogy Tapes, PAM, Will Bankhead, Ben Drury to name a few. I wouldn’t say I would like to emulate any of these brands. I get inspiration from their designs and blogs but never try to release anything other than whats in my own head.

Would you like to move into cut and sew wider range collections in the future?

We did release some cut and sew striped tees a few years ago but to be honest it’s not something I’ve thought about much. It would be nice to be able to put out denim and stuff but right now the focus is just good designs for tees and sweaters.

If you could collaborate with anyone or any brand who would it be and why?

We have already collaborated with Vaughn Bode and The Bode Estate which was a dream come true for me. I have been a fan for many years and to be given permission to adapt one of his pieces for a Retreat release was amazing.

In terms of collabs I’m not too bothered although it would be nice to have say Will Bankhead do a design for me or to be able to work with the likes of The Jean Michel Basquiat estate or Andy Warhol estate.

As a designer, what is inspiration for you?

I get inspired from things I see everyday. All of creation, my wife, my kids, 80’s movies, things in the past growing up, The Beastie Boys, UNKLE, Hip Hop. The list is endless

Do you have any other exciting projects coming up worth noting?

Hopefully I’m gonna be doing some designs for a local dance/hip hop crew from Hartlepool. They are called Ruff Diamonds which consist of about 13 kids who seem really talentedand passionate. Continue to do some designs for The Candy Bithces who are based in Birmingham and to continue to drop limited designs for Retreat.

Any shoutouts you want to give?

Big shoutout to my wife Vix, Molly, Charlie and little Jonah, all my mates, Doof Industries, Zorra and the rest of The Candy Bitches, Mick Knaggs and anyone else I’ve forgotton!

Keep up to date with everything that’s going on at Retreat by reading the blog and becoming a fan on facebook.

Supreme are one of the few brands on the market at the moment that take inspiration from their roots in regards to music. Surpeme looked to Bad Brains for inspiration on previous projects, Miles Davis, and now, Malcom Mclaren. Those unfamiliar with Malcom must know that he had a huge part in the success of the New York Dolls, as well as the Sex Pistols back in the 70’s. Supreme are set to release a small collection which includes all-original artwork from Malcom on items including t-shirts, hoodies, and even a New Era cap. Some of the artwork done-up by Mclaren is very similar to Keith Haring artwork. The small collection was released on the 23rd here in Japan, and as if this weren’t enough, Vans will also be taking part in the release of the V-79 model.

I was lucky enough to get to see the collection while in Minami Horie last week, and although I think the New Era’s could have been a little more adventurous, the tees and the hoods are top quality and worth the price tag in my opinion.

I mentioned that I managed to get to the Supreme store situated in the uber-cool Minami Horie district of Osaka, and i even managed to get some snaps inside. So here they are….the inside scoop just for you. They had their budweiser collection, the Malcom Mclaren collaboration collection, and then their usual sweet range of caps, bags and accessories.

Hopped onto the subway and headed for the culture centre that is Minami Horie. This is where you find your emo kids, your hip hop kids, your alternatives….but mainly your cool alternatives. A hat of some sort is a must, and usually an amazing fixed gear bike accompanies most cool looking people.

Supreme’s Spring Summer ‘09 accessory and other items are highlighted here. Swiss army knives, decks, bottle openers, phone cords, its a big one from Supreme.

Supreme have just brought out a New Era with a flap…those who try and brave the cold english winter in a fitted will know that they provide little protection against the elements. Well Supreme’s Box logo fleece cap is 100% wool, with a Fleece fold over flap that will go some way to providing some warmth. These are available in Red, Royal, Black and Brown in size range from 7-1/4 to 8 online and at Supreme locations worldwide. [strictlyfitteds]

It’s lookbook time and Supreme have got you covered. This lookbook has some really awesome upcoming products such as the leather down-filled jacket, an M-65 jacket, the Bad Brains x Vans x Supreme collaborations I recently posted in regards to, hats, backpacks, skateboards, crewnecks, hoodies, keychains, and even a Supreme branded padlock! Head on over to Supreme to see the lookbook in its entirety. I am loving the variety of items being offered. This one is going to have you salivating! Hang tight. [thehundreds]

Supreme have used Miles Davis as inpiration for a new set of t-shirts. One t-shirt features a black and white photo of the man himself and the other product brings back the American jazz icon’s 1972 album artwork, On The Corner. Stay tuned for further information in regards to this project.

Supreme bring the noise again after their massive drop last month. As if there wasn’t enough product to drop on us, they bring to you the second part of their Fall/Winter 2008 collection. From first look, it is obvious that Supreme is focusing on products for a cold, cold winter with items such as wool pea coats, knits, flannel long-sleeves, hoodies, and more. There is no specific date for the release of these winter items but you can definitely expect them soon.

The king of collab’s are back with another strong showing.

Porter and Supreme will be collaborating again when they release this pack of three woven leather wallets. Each wallet features a woven leather exterior as well as a chain to snap the wallet to your jeans. The wallets will come in either Black, Blue, or Red with minimal branding from both Supreme and Porter. There is no word on when these will be released. via Slam x Hype