Lewi Brown's interest in streetwear began at a very young age as he grew up skateboarding and playing basketball in Belfast, Christchurch. The purchase of his first Michael Jordan singlet as a kid from Champions of the World and his ever-growing interest in fashion trends made Earls Collection a perfect extension of himself after he retired from professional rugby.
Being a self-taught designer, Brown realised that in men's fashion, sticking to core silhouettes and adding subtle touches evolves the pieces of clothing into finer garments. With Earls Collection, he wishes to provide premium clothing at not-so-premium prices as he knows the hardships of coming from a humble background and being raised by a single mother.
Brown loves that the new generation does not have a specific style. Instead, they have made fashion all about experimentation and a form of self-expression. He also likes that the world is heading towards a more sustainable future in fashion.
He acknowledges that his biggest inspiration and biggest supporter is his mother, but he also likes how Dwight Yorke and Lenny Kravitz have pushed boundaries. He also resonates with Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, who have gone on to do multiple things and explored different paths.
Regarding expansion, the Earls Collection wants to refine its wholesale programme and collaborate with other people and companies with a similar vibe. Although their online store and social media, especially Instagram, work wonders for the brand with its polished look, Brown's biggest goal would be to have a retail store someday in Australia and New Zealand.
