Shag: Tiki Painter Uses Clothing As Canvas
Los Angeles-based painter Shag has brought his tiki-filled imagery to apparel with a new label for Costa Mesa, Calif.-based surfwear manufacturer Toes On The Nose.
Shag (his tag comes from the last two letters of his first name, Josh, and the first two letters of his last name, Agle) releases 12 to 18 paintings a year that incorporate depictions of traditional Polynesian tikis, according to Richard Allred, owner of Toes On The Nose, who said that the transfer of Shag’s painting style over to clothing has proven to be successful so far.
“The idea has been really well-received by the surf shops and specialty stores, and we’re looking forward to working with Shag for seasons to come,” said Allred.
Shag by Toes On The Nose, as the label is called, will deliver additional pieces for Fall, including three new prints and two boardshorts, said Allred, who added that the label plans on offering an additional new print for Holiday.
The collection, which comes in sizes small to XXL, won’t be available to everyone, and according to Allred, it isn’t supposed to be.
“It’s really meant for the collector,” he said. “Our distribution is limited and fits with what Shag wants to do. He’s an artist first and foremost and that’s what we wanted to accent with the line.”
Shag by Toes On The Nose has been placed at Fred Segal on Melrose in Los Angeles and the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, as well as at key boutiques, said Allred. The shirts are also available on Shag’s Web site, www.shag-art.com.
Toes On The Nose, founded by Allred in 1992, is distributed to specialty surf shops and select retailers nationally and worldwide. Its designs include menswear, juniors, kidswear, swimwear and accessories that reflect the easygoing beach lifestyle of a longboard surfer and utilize contemporary trends. For more information on Shag by Toes On The Nose, call (714) 513-1500. —Darryl James
