This past August 2009 Under Pressure Magazine celebrated its 14th Annual International Graffiti Convention as usual in the city of Montreal. This year Under Pressure faced a number of hurdles with getting the event planned and outfitted due to the tight economic climate Canada has been facing this year. There were rumors flying around that Under Pressure would not happen and had been cancelled like so many other events across North America. However through the direct support of the public, dedicated volunteers and number of steadfast business in the Under Pressure network the event came together successfully and happened for all to enjoy.
This years Under Pressure’s 14th theme was an “east-meets-west” motif with the paisley branding and suave imagery. But, in more ways than one this years event was truly “east-meets-west”. This year marked the bridging of associations between Under Pressure Magazine (Mtl, PQ) and Ephin Apparel (Surrey, BC). Ephin Apparel came through in strength this year as one of the events major sponsors and due to this we feel motivated to educate you about our new founded lineage in the west.
Ephin Apparel has been a movement in the making for the past 9 years. Building outward across Canada from Surrey, British Columbia, Ephin is now Canada’s leading street wear brand. However don’t allow the name to fool you. Ephin has become far more than just another street wear brand. Ephin has focused on developing its entity to grow to become one of Canada’s leading community and network for Urban Culture movement.
Ephin was raised from and lives in the streets of greater Vancouver and as a result it reflects and supports the true aspects of our dynamic urban lifestyles. Ephin lives the brand, survives off progression and always strives to continue moving forward, as it has done to date.
As a result Ephin has also become a community and a movement alike. The Ephin movement believes in not merely existing as a leading high quality street wear brand, but also existing as an entity that continually invests back into the cultivation, support and the development of the communities and cultural scenes that it caters towards as it grows.
The Ephin movement now embodies a stellar roster of performing artists (Caspian, Joey Stylez, Snak the Ripper, Jaykin and DJ Moves to mention only a few); graffiti artists(Stompdown Takeover, Rhek, Werd, Keep6, and more); breakdancers (B-minus, Miss Finesse and more); skateboarders (Dale Hendricks, Derrick Mayer, Jordin Repin and more); tattoo artists (Jesse Strong); and a roster of events and studios that play a crucial role in keeping the Vancouver scene alive and fresh in many ways. Keep your eyes peeled in the east, because Ephin is making moves eastward and will soon be on a local boutiques shelves near you for you to represent the Canadian urban scene.
So as this holiday season for 2009 creeps forth on us don’t forget to check out Ephin Apparel and shop Canadian. Ephin delivers directly through their online catalogue so don’t feel you have to wait for the clothes to be distributed in your area. Also if you end up in Vancouver be sure to check out their warehouse and many events throughout the city of Vancouver.