Childsdraw, based in Holdrons Arcade, is an illustration-led brand that creates limited edition streetwear and homewares. All garments are unisex and handmade in south London.

What drew you to opening your shop in Holdrons Arcade?

It’s got a really special vibe with an eclectic mix of businesses; from people who have been there for years, to newer brands like mine. It’s nice working in a place that’s welcome to all and has a real community spirit.

Did you know any of the existing residents?

I didn’t know anyone directly but, like most circles in south London, I had friends of friends that knew each other.

How did you get into creating a fashion brand?

I’m an Illustrator and was interested in creating garments and homewares with my drawings on. I had a studio in the Deptford arches by the station before they got redeveloped, but it wasn’t until I was offered to come back and have a shop that I actually thought about it seriously. I was then fortunate enough to be able to work with a good friend of mine who’s an incredible seamstress/pattern cutter to start creating leisurewear.

Do you have a background in fashion?

No, my background is just Illustration. However, my Dad is a tailor to pro athletes in Los Angeles and he used to send me photographs of him with his clients like Shaq O’Neal, so I think my interest in custom clothing and sportswear came from that.

There is a Zines section on your website, tell us a bit about this

I’ve always loved print and the DIY zine scene has really blown up over the past couple of years, so I wanted to have a proportion of the shop dedicated to this and, specifically, queer female self published zines.

Did you always want the brand to be unisex?

Yes definitely, this was one of the most important factors. Since I was very young I’ve always been more comfortable wearing clothes made for guys, so creating garments that were genderless made sense to me.

What would be on the Childsdraw playlist currently?

  • Kindness – With You
  • Steve Lacy – Lay Me Down
  • Tierra Whack – Clones
  • Part Time – I Can Treat You Better
  • A Tribe Called Quest – The Hop
  • IAMDDB – XOX
  • System Of A Down – Forest
  • Jamiroquai – You Give Me Something
  • Blue Room Mafia – Lonely
  • Gidge – I fell In Love
  • Wun Two – Cold Shower
  • Soull II Soul – Keep On Movin’
  • ICYTWAT – Some Cut
  • ICYTWAT – Naw Fr
  • Skream – How Real
  • Pink Siifu – Pray Everyday
  • Sade – Turn My Back

Find Childsdraw in Holdrons Arcade, Unit 27, or online at www.childsdraw.com, and follow them on Facebook or Instagram.