Anime fashion has come a long way, and if you’re someone who remembers the days of oversized, ill-fitting anime tees from the early 2000s, it’s hard not to appreciate the shift in how fans now express their love for anime through fashion. Gone are the days when anime lovers were stereotyped as nerds wearing cheaply made merchandise; today’s anime clothing is bold, stylish, and full of attitude. Anime Trash Swag (ATS) stands as a prime example of this transformation, combining edgy designs with anime imagery to create a look that’s dark, playful, and subversive.
I had the opportunity to chat with the creative minds behind Anime Trash Swag to learn more about their origins, vision, and how they bring their ideas to life.
The Beginning of Anime Trash Swag
Anime Trash Swag officially launched on January 17, 2015, after a few months of getting their designs noticed online in late 2014. Their goal from the outset was simple: to make anime clothing that was as stylish as it was unique. “We love fashion, so we would see things that looked cool and think, ‘This would look even better with anime on it,'” they explain.
The Creative Forces Behind ATS
Skye (@tattobot) and Jenni (@mostflogged) are the dynamic duo behind Anime Trash Swag. Together, they handle every aspect of the brand, from design and manufacturing to social media and shipping. “Everything is handled by our hands,” they say, emphasizing how involved they are in every step of the process. They do have some external contacts for printing and embroidery but remain heavily hands-on with the creative and production work.
Inspiration Beyond Anime
While anime is the core of their brand, Skye and Jenni draw inspiration from other sources as well. They both share a deep love for punk, grunge, and street fashion, which is reflected in the designs of ATS. “We thrive in juxtaposition and contrast,” they explain. “From leather straps and spikes to hearts and fluffy pink coats, we embrace a wide range of aesthetics, but we never want to come across as weak.” Their style is about mixing tough, edgy elements with playful and whimsical ones, often creating layered, deconstructed looks.
Top Anime Faves
When it comes to anime, their top picks include classics like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Eureka seveN, and Gurren Lagann. They also love the works of Satoshi Kon, especially his films, which have a unique cinematic style that aligns with the complex themes they explore in their fashion.
Fashionable Anime Characters
If you’re wondering which anime characters are most likely to shop at Anime Trash Swag, Skye and Jenni suggest characters with a punk or rock vibe. “Nana from Nana is definitely a perfect fit,” they say. “She’s punk rock and cool, and we think she’d look amazing in our designs.” They also mention Syoko Hoshi from Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls, a character known for her metal and j-rock influence, making her another perfect candidate for ATS clothing.
Best Sellers and Fan Favorites
When it comes to what fans are most excited about, their headgear consistently tops the list. “Our headgear and t-shirts have been selling equally well recently,” they mention. The Oyasumi Punpun Eyepatch hat, in particular, has been a fan favorite, gaining a lot of attention on their Storenvy store.
Favorite Pieces
While they love all of their designs, Skye and Jenni are especially proud of the Sad Girl Asuka and Candy Squids tops. “The art, the composition, and the quality of the shirts are all perfect,” they say. These pieces are a reflection of their love for both anime and the unique design elements they bring to their creations. And as a bonus, they are also huge fans of Asuka from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Splatoon, making these tops even more special to them.
Anime Trash Swag is a brand that truly embodies the spirit of anime fandom—bold, creative, and unafraid to push boundaries. Whether you’re into punk fashion, anime, or just want to add a bit of edge to your wardrobe, ATS is here to help you do it in style.
