Skrapper's Wearable Art is a Collector's Delight

There's nothing more unique and fun than wearable art --especially in the form of great T-shirts.Skrapper’s first venture brings artist William Quigley’s paintings and work into the world of fashion with a collection of luxury T-shirts designed by his partner, designer/photographer Katie Theofilos.

The Tee-shirt line, Skrapper, was hatched in 1999, when William was asked to paint a boxer for his close friend.The result was a series from 1999-2009 where Quigley painted over 40 boxers, learning the history of the sport through each painting. In his eyes, the intellectual, physical, financial and emotional challenges between boxing and painting created the Skrapper credo. In 2008, his neighbor, photographer and designer Katie Theofilos, interpreted 20 years of his struggles, loves, passions, and images into a brand.

So what is Skrapper, actually? The T-shirt designs are a collective reinvention of Quigley’s artwork, which has been exhibited globally at galleries in New York, Los Angeles, Basel, Germany, India, and Spain. His commissioned portraits and subjects include Presidents Clinton and Bush, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, 50 Cent, Kobe Bryant, Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Audrey Hepburn, Michael Fredo, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shaquille O’Neal, Johnny Cash and many other cultural icons.

The Skrapper line is inspired by the streets of Soho and downtown New York. Skrapper designs are rare and collectible, since they are offered in limited-edition runs. New collections will be presented seasonally and previously marketed designs will be retired (or should I say, "skrapped?").

The Skrapper collection includes crew-neck and v-neck T-shirts, available in sizes S through XXL and offered in various eco-friendly (but luxe) blends such as pima cotton with bamboo. Each has five, signature inkblots (or dots) that festoon the back left shoulder of every shirt. The collection also offers women’s and men’s tank tops with a relaxed fit. Tanks and Tees are $55.00 and the unisex shirts are $65.00. Eco-friendly tees are $135.00 (these are a special blend of 80% Pima, 15% Bamboo, 5% Organic ). There's also a canvas tote for $25.00 and even collectible Skrapper Wine (to drink) 2007 Cabernet Franc: Bottle $32.00 and a case: $360.00 100% Special Blend: 80% Pima, 15% Bamboo, 5% Organic

I love these unique, eye-catching, and luxurious tanks and Tees. You won't see them on everyone else, and you'll make a statement when you wear a Skrapper shirt. The 117-LOVE- HER Tank for example, is a racerback tank in a soft grey called "oatmeal." It is 50% polyester, 38% cotton, and 12% rayon, and it's made in the Dominican Republic. I'm not sure what the turn of the century woman in a fur trimmed cape has to do with the saying, but the red and black graphics makes for a very eye-catching design.

And I really like the Audrey Design, available in both a one-size-fits-all tank and a Tee-shirt in S-M-L-XL. There's Audrey's face, with the words: GIRLS SOME HOW THEY JUST GET TO YA. The tank is 20% ECO-HEATHER: 38% COTTON (6.25 ORGANIC CTTN), and the TEE is a super-soft, 100% COMBED COTTON JERSEY. These feel soft against your skin, like a well worn comfy shirt (but these of course, are brand new)!

Other designs I like include a boxer (man) and boxer (dog) and many more interesting graphics with thought-provoking statements. "If it doesn't excite you, why bother?" is one of the mantras on the Skrapper web site.

....why indeed? But Skrapper shirts will excite you. If you don't want to see yourself in the same designs as everyone else, Skrapper will help you be the individual you are!

Visit the Skrapper Web Site for all the designs, more information, and to order these very special shirts. For more information on William Quigley, visit his web site.

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. All text & photos by Alison Blackman.