New business launch

Andrew Smith tells us why he and his business partner, set up Nowt So Queer..

"I love to travel the world for different Prides and Circuit Parties and I realised that I had a thing about getting dressed up, especially wearing masks. Because of my travels and the friends I have met I have also been given masks from all over the world including Italy, Tokyo, Australia, Canada, and the US.

Now I design my own outfits, and I always try to give each one a new look, with different themes, or a twist. I made one particular mask that was so popular I set up its own Facebook page – the "Mask on Tour" - and it has now over 140 friends, even people I have never met and from cities I have never visited. So far, the Mask has visited Canada, America and Europe within the last year, and it's also going to New Zealand and Australia later this year.

I would constantly get asked where I got my masks and outfits from or who made them and how they could get one. So my great friend, Michael Philpott, and I decided in 2013 to setup www.nowtsoqueer.co.uk. We had talked about it for years. It’s been crazy! From the first serious meeting about it to the Website, Facebook page, business cards, advertising, a photo shoot, supporting a nightclub with outfits for the dancers and now doing something special for the Great British Bear Bash weekend in Manchester in May. It’s been less than 8 weeks! It’s a little scary, but I have to say this would not be happening if it wasn’t for Michael. Michael has worked in clothing manufacture for over 30 years and has experience of spinning, weaving and much more.

Here is a little of what Michael says about it:
"There is nothing I like better than to transform a piece of fabric into an item someone enjoys wearing. I have known Andy for over 10 years and we are very good friends. We both enjoy the clubbing scene and have had some great times together. Unlike Andy, I am not one to get dressed up in alternative outfits but love to see him and others express their unique and sometimes controversial look, especially knowing I can help achieve this look! With Andy's inspiration and talent for design I have been able to create some exciting and unique costumes, and now we wish to share those ideas with other like-minded people."

Have you ever thought you would like to get dressed up in a sexy costume/outfit, but weren’t into the more serious fetish gear you see on the scene? Or wanted to wear something a little different that was fun, funky, sexual, provocative or just outrageous?

That was me. Don't get me wrong, I love my harnesses, kilts and masks, but sometime I just feel a little out of place with the fetish scene. For me it’s just about having fun and being a bit silly and not taking it too seriously. The good thing about the costumes we design is that they are versatile and do cater for everyone's needs. So if it’s fetish wear you are into - sexually or like me just for some fun - then we can cater for you.

We believe dressing up is an expression of individuality and we will create whatever you like so that you are happy with the end result.

Take a look at what we have created here.

Published: 11-Apr-2013: (1858)