"Disadvantaged areas during apartheid South Africa had little to offer in terms of exposure to cutting edge international design or computer technology, but the bootleg arcade games that used twenty cent pieces (a 2Bop) to play at the corner shop were a window into what was happening in the outside world," states the company.
Since its early days, the 2Bop brand has become a streetwear staple within Cape Town's fashion circuit, with growing influence across the country and abroad. It has amassed a loyal following of fashion fiends who closely follow brand developments and cheer on its successes from the sidelines. Its community-driven design does an impressive job of consistently resonating with its followers, and in return receives the kind of brand devotion many of SA's fashion houses would envy.
2Bop's founder, designer and director Anthony Smith has been selected as one of the 12 finalists in the inaugural Threads Accelerator. Smith is in the midst of a 12-week bootcamp designed to boost South Africa's up-and-coming fashion designers and turn them into powerful fashion CEOs. The programme winner receives a package that includes a trade trip to Europe to meet top retailers and buyers, a sponsored Mercedes Benz for one year and an SME banking starter pack from Standard Bank.
I grew up skateboarding in Port Elizabeth in the 90s and was influenced by skateboarding's DIY ethos and always wanted to start my own clothing brand. I was one of those "game kop" kids that were obsessed with video games and used that medium and culture as the main inspiration behind 2Bop.
No one thing in particular. Going back to our brand essence and our roots and utilising our main logo, which we've ironically never actually used on our garments in print form.
Ulfah, one of our designers and creative directors, put in all the hard work. She feels that it's where you're able to get a response and get to test out future designs on an audience.
We've always done our own thing and had a strong idea of who we were. We don't look outwardly for inspiration, rather referencing our own histories and obscure interests and I feel it translates.
We're open and have always encouraged sharing, be it through social media or through events at our main store, Corner Store. We've always fostered the spirit of co-creation, collaboration and community.
It's not easy. One has to be disciplined not to veer too far off in either direction and to know your strong points and weaknesses and buttress yourself with talent that can accommodate that. But we have to remind ourselves why we began this in the first place and always remember to have fun and play.
Globalisation and the growth of social media and access to the internet. I also don't think it really went anywhere, its just always evolving.
I'd like to see more African brands making an impact on the global fashion economy. I'd also like to see more sustainable products and sustainable fabrics become more economically viable.
Visit 2Bop online for more info, and connect with the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
