Designer Terrell Naidoo from TN Worldwide. Image supplied.
Terrell Naidoo is the founder of streetwear label TN Worldwide which launched its first season online recently. The Hamilton-based designer has a love of streetwear, sneakers and space that he’s translated into his debut range that’s an ode to the bright lights of the city.
We caught up with Terrell to find out more about his brand, what inspires him and what you would never catch him wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
My first ever collection I dropped was season 1 “reflective”. Inspired by the bright lights and the fast paced culture of the city, I wanted to fuse the bright lights the city has in a jacket, but not just any jacket. A windbreaker that would be supreme quality and never fold under the toughest of conditions. Just like the Auckland city culture. So I designed the ultimate windbreaker for NZ/island weather. Made out of a faux leather along with rayon on the inside this gives you comfort and durability like no other. I added 3M reflective panels on the bottom and on the sleeves to replicate the city lights.
What made you become a designer?
I always loved brands, whether it was clothing or footwear. They both had to be branded, my dad bought me my first pair of Nike Air Force 1’s when I was six years old, that was my first pair of a nice branded shoe that I could think of, since then I’ve always had the taste but never decided to take it on as my career. However I came across a rapper when I was about 22 called “young thug”, his fashion sense, style and just his taste in general had me in awe, I knew instantly this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life. I wanted to make clothes for these type of people, the way I see it, every time I design something you get a piece of me, every design has a meaning behind it to do with me or something that has meaning to me in some way, shape or form.
What inspires you?
I was inspired by a lot of things/ people. There are two things I can say inspired me for sure. Number one is my parents, without them buying me these branded items when I was a kid, I would’ve never known about fashion or gotten the taste for branded products! Number two is “young thug” he is a rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. I am heavily inspired by him, his style, clothing choice, and just how unique his style is. It really got me to take things to the next level in terms of creativity for my brand and design. One day I hope to design a piece of clothing for him.
Looks from TN Worldwide’s debut collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
My personal style I would say is whatever I feel like at the point in time. I let my soul and emotions control my fashion, if it doesn’t sit right with my soul then its not for me. I dress accordingly depending on the situation and factors at hand. My designs are also influenced this way, I design according to my mood/feelings at the time. Depending on my mood/feelings at the time is what type of design I would come up with most of the time I don’t even try design it just comes naturally. I’m never telling myself “omg I gotta come up with designs asap” its just free-flowing inspired everyday by myself.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
I wouldn’t say I have an “all time” favourite purchase. However I am a HUGE sneaker head. I also love basketball, so one of my favourite purchases would be my Nike Kobe pro-pro 1 “81 pt game” this was Kobe Bryant’s first ever signature shoe when he signed with Nike. Its also the exact same colorway he dropped 81 points against the Toronto raptors in. A collector’s item for sure!
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A good quality jacket!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Haha yes, I always obey the cliche “never wear denim on denim” I remember my aunty telling me this as a kid, and it always stuck with me!
Looks from TN Worldwide’s debut collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career so far I would say, is starting my own brand/company and building it everyday, researching about fabrics, I love everything about the journey I have started so far!
What can’t you live without?
Recently I bought a Kith Moncler puffer jacket, I can’t seem to live without it now! Its super cosy and is just the best thing to have around especially on the cold nights!
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Anything that doesn’t allow me to express myself or has zero meaning to me.
Images supplied.