You and Me Baby Ain’t Nothin’ But Mammals

Student-owned clothing brand Mammal Swag have been making waves across campus. The Tab got in on the hype with an exclusive photo shoot of some of the latest designs available online, and an interview with founder Jonathan Mills.

How did the concept for Mammal Swag come about?

I had noticed that animal motifs were creeping into fashion. Bret McKenzie’s wolf and tiger jumpers, Frank Ocean’s panda hat. I wanted to carry along a similar line, and keep things fun. Having sketched a few ideas in lectures, they were quickly on t-shirts that I was selling online.

Talk us through some of your favourite designs.

The shellsuit stag is a pretty cool customer with his 80s attitude. He does bear an unfortunate resemblance to Jimmy Saville, but he means well.   I’ve got a soft spot for the chap chimp too, with all of his cricket-club charisma.

How has being a student at Exeter University influenced your pathway in to clothing design?

Studying Economics has been quite useful for the business side of it, but it’s definitely different doing it in reality. The Innovation Centre on campus has been a great resource; it’s provided lots of useful opportunities, events and advice and it’s definitely not something every university has to offer.

Who are the most inspirational artists and designers for Mammal Swag?

I think I gave a ridiculously pretentious answer last time when Exeposé asked me this. If I had to pick my favourite artist then I’d say Jean Michel Basquiat. He even supported himself by selling t-shirts! To be honest though, I just quite like doodling animals in clothes and there’s not much more to it than that.

Do you have any advice for budding entrepreneurs?

If it’s t-shirts, go for it. It might well be a pretty concentrated market but if you can define your brand distinctively enough, it’s an affordable start-up. I had set aside £470 which I put towards stock and a website, and I had myself a profitable business   If it’s anything else, I wouldn’t be as well placed to say go for it but go for it. Why struggle with the post-graduate minefield when you can make your own opportunities.

What’s next for Mammal Swag?

I’m not really sure. I’ve managed to get myself about it and having people wearing Mammal Swag in Brazil and Saudi Arabia feels pretty sweet. I quite like the level I’m currently working at, and I’m not sure I could handle too much expansion while still at uni. Keeping it on a medium heat until I graduate, then I’ll take it from there.

Ellie Taylor-Roberts, Liv Bryan & Abie Dyer are modelling ‘The Gangster Hippo’, ‘The Chap Chimp’ & ‘The Hipster Dog’