1st Line Launch Behind the Scenes!

Introduction:

It’s official: Gardeot’s first launch is almost here! What started as an idea has transformed into a brand ready to bring the fierce energy of ice hockey to the world of premium streetwear. But this is more than just a launch; it’s a story of grit, passion, and the desire to elevate a sport we love to a broader audience. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes to share how we’ve gotten here and what went into bringing Gardeot to life.

Creating a Brand with Purpose

Gardeot’s roots lie in a simple idea: ice hockey deserves a larger stage in everyday culture, especially here in the UK. From the start, our mission has been clear—to grow the sport of ice hockey by creating a line of clothing that connects players and fans alike, making them feel as powerful off the rink as they are on it. Each piece is designed with the spirit of hockey in mind, inspired by its intensity, teamwork, and resilience.

We set out not only to create clothing but to build a community. Gardeot is for people who love ice hockey but also want to look and feel great in streetwear that reflects that passion.

The Design Process: From Concept to Creation

The journey began with countless brainstorming sessions, where ideas flowed and sketches came to life. Every design had to carry the essence of hockey without relying on clichés. We wanted every piece to reflect the game’s culture and in a way that feels premium and wearable daily. This led us to create:

• The OT T-Shirt: A nod to "overtime" and the oversized trend, bringing a laid-back yet bold feel to a classic design.
• The Nameplate T-Shirt: Inspired by the nameplates on hockey jerseys, it’s a reminder of the pride every player feels when they step onto the ice.

Our designs went through many iterations to balance the elements that make each piece unique with a style that feels comfortable and modern. Finding the right fabric, color, and fit was a crucial part of this process, and we spent months testing samples until we knew we had something special.

Sourcing and Production: The Search for Quality

Finding the right manufacturer was a journey of its own. We knew we wanted top-quality materials that felt premium and could stand up to the lifestyle of a hockey fan. This search took us through conversations with manufacturers worldwide. We asked ourselves many questions: Do they align with our values? Can they deliver on quality? Is their production process eco-friendly?

Our commitment to sustainability was also central to this phase. We looked for ways to reduce our footprint, sourcing recyclable packaging and exploring ways to make our production process as eco-friendly as possible.

Overcoming Setbacks: The Realities of Launching a Brand

Like any journey worth taking, ours had its challenges. Initial sample runs didn’t meet our standards. We had to make the difficult call to go back to the drawing board, pushing our timelines and requiring additional resources. It was frustrating, but quality mattered more than speed. Our goal was to launch with products we could proudly stand behind, even if it took a bit longer than expected.

We also tested early marketing strategies through small-scale ads on Instagram and Facebook. The results weren’t quite what we hoped for, so we took a step back to refine our approach. We decided to shift focus toward organic engagement with our community, letting our story resonate with those who share our passion for the sport.

Building a Community Around Gardeot

To truly connect with our audience, we set up our loyalty club and launched social media accounts that focus on celebrating hockey culture and elevating the conversation around the game. We’ve reached out to hockey accounts, followed the sport’s influencers, and sparked conversations around what makes hockey so special.

Behind the scenes, we’ve been setting up a website that reflects Gardeot’s identity. Every page, every product description, every image is crafted to make you feel the thrill of the game. We want our site to be more than a store; it’s a place for hockey fans to come together and celebrate the game.

Looking Ahead: Gardeot’s Vision for the Future

Gardeot is more than just our launch line. It’s the start of something we hope will inspire a stronger hockey culture in the UK and beyond. We’re working on partnering with charities to give back to the hockey community, helping make the sport more accessible and supporting its growth at the grassroots level.

As we move forward, we’re excited to expand our offerings, with future designs in the works that will continue to capture the energy and heart of hockey. We’re also focusing on building out our social media presence and engaging with the community directly.

Join the Gardeot Movement

This launch is just the beginning of a journey that we want to share with you. We’re grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way, from our first brainstorming session to today. Gardeot is for anyone who’s ever felt the thrill of a game, the pride of wearing their team’s colors, and the desire to see hockey reach new heights.

Thank you for being part of our story. Follow us on our social channels, join our loyalty club, and be on the lookout for exciting drops. This is only the start, and we can’t wait to grow with you.