An enterprising Oxford Brookes student has launched a clothing line to try to make ends meet during the pandemic.

First year law student Charlie Phipps, 20, has been unable to find the casual work to supplement his loans during the lockdowns.

He and friends Max Mills and Alfie Tomalin-Reeves, both 19, soon identified a money generating opportunity with a clothing brand.

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Called OBUTHREADS (Oxford Brookes University Threads), the fashion line quickly gained more than 700 followers on Instagram.

Mr Phipps explained that although Oxford Brookes does have its own official hoodie and merchandise many of the students are not fans.

That gave the friends the idea of coming up with a trendier alternative.

Firstly they created their own logo, a subtle variation on the official logo, which features on their line including hoodies and sweatshirts.

The goods they sell are not affiliated with or endorsed by Oxford Brookes University in any way.

Oxford Mail:
A student models the merchandise

Mr Phipps said: “We initially designed the hoodies ourselves and then took what we produced between us to a freelance graphic designer in the Philippines.

"They produced high quality graphics files of the art.

“From there we ordered samples from a bunch of different printing companies in the UK.

"We found one that we felt was superior and knew our customers would love which was T Shirt Printing UK."

The friends then needed to turn the interest from fellow students into sales.

Mr Phipps said: “Next came setting up the website, which was surprisingly easy to do with tools like Shopify."

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The business was also set up with the aim of donating five per cent of every purchase to charity ActionAid UK on a monthly basis.

Mr Phipps, who comes from Hong Kong and has been remote learning since returning to uni after the Christmas break, said: "It's such a shame because we were able to attend lots of face-to-face teaching during term one and I feel that I learn better in a physical space.

"However, I can only speak for my course – I am aware of some students on other 'essential' courses having returned to face to face learning weeks ago."

He added: “Personally I am extremely low on funds.

"I've found it next to impossible to find work during the pandemic and have been relying almost entirely on student loans.

“Luckily I have a bike and have been able to do Deliveroo and I have invested my earnings in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and this business.

'Living off parents'

“I know the situation is similarly grim for everyone else.

"Most people are living off of their parents’ money.”

The fledgling brand, which was modelled for the website by current Oxford Brookes students, launched online last weekend.

Mr Phipps said: “We had a good first day of sales and they’ve been trickling in slowly since.

“There was an issue with our website initially - it was displaying the prices incorrectly - and we suspect this played a role in affecting how many people ordered over the first few hours but nonetheless we live and learn.”

To check out the designs, go to www.obuthreads.co.uk

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