Kirk Allen - heady mix of fashion, food

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:

With the kitchen not enough to tame his creative spirit, 23-year-old chef, Kirk Allen, has decided to pour his ambitions into another venture, which is now creating waves locally and internationally.

Montego Bay-based Allen is the brain behind Slang Teez, which produces T-shirts showcasing slangs.

"Once there is a slang, there will always be Slang Teez," said Allen. "Jamaican musicians and people in general are great at coming up with slangs.

"We have a lot of slangs, so Slang Teez will always be around."

According to Allen, the Slang Teez concept was born in February of this year when he realised that no one was effectively capitalising on the diverse language used by Jamaicans.

"It (Slang Teez) is centred on dancehall and youth appeal," said Allen. "It embodies youth appeal and lingua that is fun, vibrant, and truly Jamaican. It is not your ordinary T-Shirt; it is an expression and the endorsement of such expression. It is something new that has really taken off."

STRIKING A BALANCE

Based on the success he has seen in just a short time, Allen is a firm believer in the odd concept of food and fashion being a marriage that is poised to work well for him. As a consequence, he is trying to balance both by giving each the attention that they deserve.

"I love food. There is no question about that, but there is no reason why I can't have two careers," said Allen. "In today's world, it is more possible than not. So with the support of persons who love Jamaican slangs and food, I am here to offer the best of both worlds."

Allen says that his T-shirts are being ordered by persons in the diaspora, particularly Miami and New York. His website, www.slangteez.com, offers customers locally and overseas a chance to wear and share the latest slangs in Jamaica.

Slang Teez products can be found locally in stores in Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. He is relying on word of mouth and social media to market the product.

"What makes us so different is that the T-shirts are done in three seasons. This is to ensure that we remain current with the latest slangs," said Allen. "People love Slang Teez. They are always asking when the next season is coming out. They love the excitement and expressions that come with each line."