Off the Wall

It’s a pretty compelling marketing tool; jump up on stage in front of hundreds of fans, unleash a kicking set of Arabic hip-hop and, when you’ve built them to a frenzy, casually mention that you design the t-shirts you’re wearing. Add in a few MTV Arabia interviews and more than 50 magazine appearances, and you have your modern calligraphy and striking designs appearing all over the place.

Of course, the birth of Ashekman urban wear wasn’t quite as calculating as that. Established in 2001 by Lebanese rappers, graffiti artists and, for good measure, identical twins Mohamed and Omar Kabbani, the clothing line was the obvious blend of their graphic design skills, a discipline they both studied at college, their passion for hip-hop and their Arabic culture. It was only when so many fans requested the shirts they were wearing that they decided to launch a line of shirts – all financed by Ashekman’s album sales, concert performances and growing graffiti work.

What differentiates Ashekman urban wear are their designs which combine Arabic graffiti, urban graphics, calligraphy, and Lebanese proverbs, all using Arabic fonts created solely for Ashekman urban wear. Inspired by Beirut’s rough urban scene, Ashekman’s song lyrics, and the Lebanese society in general, the designs are sure to meet your taste. Not only that, but the t-shirts are 100 per cent made in Lebanon with the best quality materials and are of limited edition.

Ashekman gear is now available at FashionRepublik.com – an online boutique for Arab designers.