Focus: Death Archive

Who are you and where are you from?
Death Archive is the creation of two brothers, Kai and Jay Ward. We’re from North Shields.

What is it you do?
We design and create streetwear that features dark imagery but with an uplifting message. We offer a range of unique and stylish clothing including hoodies and joggers, while also providing a comfortable fit. We aren’t another soulless operation that just pumps out products for profit, we truly care about what we offer and the message we are pushing. We are striving for mental health issues to be talked about in a more open and honest way, rather than the typical “it will get better, don’t worry”. We want to spread the understanding that sometimes life will be hard and you will seem lost but through discipline and not avoiding those feelings you will come out of it a better person.

How long have you been doing it?
We’ve been doing this for just under a year having started the brand in December 2022.

What inspires you?
We are inspired by the idea of mental health being spoken about in a more relatable way. We also want to create new distinctive and original designs for people to enjoy. We genuinely believe that we can create exciting designs that look stylish and still get our message out there.

Tell us about your work
We’re currently expanding our collection with a particular emphasis on new winter designs – hoodies, balaclavas and beanies. With Hamiedog Menswear in Whitley Bay now stocking Death Archive we have our first stockist and are also keen to exhibit at local markets. Our daily work at the minute is creating fresh designs and testing out the samples with our customers.

What have you got coming up in the future?
We have big plans and we’re exploring the option of having Death Archive stocked in other retailers. We’re also about to launch our new hoodies and plan to hit the ground running in 2024.

Where can people find out more about you?
We’re out and about at markets and our latest designs can be found in Hamiedog Menswear in Whitley Bay. You can find out more about us at https://death-archive.co.uk/