Nicked T-shirts: must actions speak louder than words?

If you’re a person who wants to make a statement without opening your mouth, stand up for your rights without causing a scene, or are passionate about the environment and even more so about art, then Nicked T-shirts were made for you. Literally.

Founder and artist Nik Spina created Nicked Apparel and Artworks with the intention to spark change starting with a conversation. With its eccentric hand-screened printed designs, Nicked “is an honest, anti-capitalist worker and against any form of fundamentalism”. 

Madonna with Little Jesus from the collection of Nik Spina. Hand-pulled 4-colours screen-print on heavy paper, £35.00.

Hoping to invoke dignity amongst its customers, as well as awareness and action, Nicked isn’t just a unisex T-shirt brand based in London, but a game changer.

Feeling as if good music was a thing of the past, Nik missed the melancholic feeling of the 80s and 90s alternative, post punk, grunge, new wave, hardcore and rock music. He wanted to recreate its atmosphere and all that it represented and so rifled through his old flyers and gig tickets for inspiration. 

Baby Twins – Dipped hem tee, £35.00.

Influenced by pop artists such as Lichtenstein, Warhol and Haring, and street artists like Eine Signs, VHILS, Bansky and Blek Le Rat, the T-shirts have taken on a “graffiti tagged” and “dark” look. Nik reasons his T-shirts might be “dark” because he works through the night until dawn. 

Since its establishment in October 2012, Nicked has expanded to include posters, cards, photographic prints and framed prints. The 12 initial inspired designs can be seen on the website. 

Whore in a Circle 100% organic cotton T-shirt, £25.00

Nicked is more than a brand that simply wants people to buy its products. Nicked wants people to understand the messages it chooses, which stem from the bands and musicians of the 80s and 90s, who Nik feels were for the people and into politics, unlike bands of today. The messages range from religious and philosophical, to political and provocative.  

Some examples of Nik’s artwork featured on his t-shirts include The Anonymous Supper (or The First Revolutionary), which Nik says is more than just artwork, but represents a precise message. Another, more daring message is a concept inspired from Nik’s old flyers of the American hardcore bands, The Germs and Black Flag, and is titled WHORE in a CIRCLE. 

Artwork from Nik Spina titled The Anonymous Supper (or The First
Revolutionary).

On top of being a rousing brand, Nicked is also environmentally conscious. Nik uses only 100% organic cotton to maintain his approach to quality art and design. Through all of his apparel and artwork, Nik, as well as Nicked, encourages people to see, do and be more.

Veronica Ritter

Learn more about Nicked, or see the 12 initial designs here.