Nick Crooks was inspired to create Boardies by trips with friends to Ibiza and realising a real gap in the market existed for quality mens swimwear, with unique designs at accessible price points.
“Men are investing in the summer and holiday wardrobes like never before, yet the mainstream surf brands are no longer relevant and not everybody can afford the price of some other elitist brands that only seem to cater for an exclusive Monico or St Barts set.”
As a lifestyle brand, they collaborate with their friends who they connect with creatively and share collective inspiration and ideas. This year alone, Boardies have partnered with graffiti artist and illustrator Mr Doodle, developed a capsule collection for Whistles Menswear and continue to work closely with DEFECTED, the legendary UK House music label to support their events in Ibiza and Croatia Festival this summer.
Boardies stockists include Selfridges, Liberty London, Harvey Nichols, Nordstrom, Soho House The Store, Journal Standard Japan, David Jones Australia, Need Supply USA, Urban Outfitters, amongst others
Boardies is designed for people who are young at heart, embody a party spirit and appreciate originality and quality designs.
What inspires you ?
Travelling to new, interesting places and meeting weird and wonderful people inspires me the most. Also I was a kid in the 80s, so a lot of my cultural and artistic references come from nostalgia in this time.
What’s your favourite piece of clothing ?
Probably a black leather biker jacket that I have commandeered from my oldest brother, featuring a hand painted graphic from Blue Oyster Cult on the back.
Who’s the most famous person’s number in your phone ?
I used to work for Umbro years ago, so would have some famous footballers’ numbers in my phone. The other day I stumbled across an ex Chelsea player’s number, but it has probably long been changed.
What are you most excited about at the moment ?
Planning to shoot out new SS19 collection and hoping to head back to Bali. Excited to escape the snow and coldness of the UK right now.
Favourite hotel in the world ?
Generally I prefer to stay in Air BNBs or with friends, but theres definitely a time and a place for an amazing hotel.
The Slow in Canggu Bali is my favourite hotel right now, created and launched by ones of the guys who owned Australian brands Ksubi and Insight. The architecture, interior design and styling throughout has been so tastfully put together.
If you could collaborate with one brand who would it be?
Would love to collaborate with skate legend and artist Natas Kaupas. He was an icon growing up and did all his own original skate deck graphics.
If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?
To don’t take no for an answer. Or to be more persistent. When I had my first job working for Reebok UK, my ambition was to move to America and get a role working on the basketball category for Reebok USA in Boston. I had the email of the guy who ran the program, contacted him and got a short reply saying that he was busy etc. But I was basically too shy and afraid to follow up properly and think maybe I missed a chance.
What track would always get you on the dance floor ?
You’re more likely to find me in a mosh pit than a on a dance floor. Plus I have 2 left feet. But if I had to choose, I would say House of Pain, Jump Around.
What piece of clothing best describes you ?
I’d say my vintage Levis jacket. Classic, Authenticity, Originality and Quality are all characters of the Levis brand.
I would be happy if I could embody these.
What piece of style advise do you live by ?
Be true to yourself. I try to wear clothes and shoes that have meaning to me. Either vintage I have found, samples from friends, or some type particular story or reference.
If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret ?
I believe in life after death, so would hope I would be more curious about what comes next, rather than looking back.
