Money clothing was established in 2003 by Melvyn de Villiers and Nick Cordell, joined the following year by Takashi Maru Marujo. The three designers wanted to shake up the way fashion was created they wanted to create a range of urban streetwear that they were proud to wear, not just because of the label, but also because of the product itself.
Money garments, not only brilliantly designed each item taking traits, flair and quirks from the designers but were also created using the very best materials and textiles. The level of detail is almost unrivalled, and the three designers were obviously obsessed with quality.
The Money brands is closely associated with two glaring characteristics: firstly, the King Ape Device which is prominently displayed upon all of the products; and, secondly, the Dollar Jeans. These jeans featured a genuine United States Dollar bill (in denominations of $1 to $100 each) attached to the back of the jeans, just slightly above the right-hand side pocket, clearly showing the main detail but also leaving a little to the imagination.
It was these characteristics that really gave Money a big boost during their appearances at fashion shows, including Magic held at Las Vegas, Nevada. Italy in particular was captivated by the brand, and Money was soon able to work with the leading Italian clothing manufacturers to ensure that the clothes produced were the absolute highest possible quality. This quality, matched with impeccable design, meant that it was not long before the brand was seen in good light by the Italian celebrities, such as footballers Alberto Gilardino and Luca Toni. The popularity soon spread throughout Italys Young and Trendy, with over 150 premium accounts being opened within Money within weeks. Money is still one of Italys firm favourite brands, Money often jokingly refer to Italy as being the land of Milk and Money.
Money hit the celebrity jackpot when A-List Brits David and Victoria Beckham were seen wearing the brand with pride in 2006. The LA Galaxy soccer player and ex-Spice Girl have long been seen as style icons for both males and females all across the world, and being picked up by them catapulted Money in to the position they are in now.
The three designers were naturally ecstatic with the success of the brand and wanted to see it go further. They expanded their offerings, keeping the styles they were famous and loved for, but also complementing with newer, cleaner designs made with special, unique materials and fabrics. The designers, especially Takashi Maru Marujo, spoke with their contacts and arranged for their demin jeans to be produced in Japan. These Japanese manufactured jeans are made using Kojima selvedge woven on vintage looms. Their sweaters received a similarly themed manufacturing makeover, with all sweats now being made from French Terry in Wakayama.
In just 6 years of being on the market, Money have achieved what they may have considered to be impossible in 2003. They are known and loved all over the World, not just by the Young and Trendy, but also by an impressive array of celebrities. As well as the Beckhams and the Italian footballers, Money has been seen on the backs of Chris Brown, Ashley Cole, Amir Kahn, Leo Gregory, Jay-Z and Jay Simpsons.
Availability
Money is available throughout the world. Although stockists numbers are low in the USA, there are numerous independent stockists throughout Europe which ship internationally.
United States of America (USA):
Up Against The Wall
DrJays (web based)
United Kingdom (UK) :
Sa-kis.co.uk (ships worldwide)
MilanClothing