Gio-Goi
 | |
| Privately held company | |
| Industry | Fashion |
| Founded | 1988, relaunched in 2005 |
| Headquarters | Manchester, UK |
Number of employees | 50 |
| Website |
www |
Gio-Goi /ˈɡiːoʊ ˈɡɔɪ/ is a British street wear brand created in the 1989.
Jonathan O'Garr came up with the name Gio Goi and the slogan "Dedicated to those dodgin' the rain and Bullets", Gio goi was made up from Vietnamese dictionary and the original font was the work of Mat and Pat Carroll of Central Station Design. The other original founders of Gio Goi were Andrew Obaje AKA Jelly Universe, Chris and Anthony Donnelly and Gogi and Shafqat Rashool.
The label has its roots in the Manchester band scene of the early nineties, which mixed indie rock and dance music. The brand was featured heavily by bands and celebrities connected with the Madchester and later Gunchester scene and the clubs and raves scene in Manchester, notably at The Haçienda.[1]
After a legal battle with Giorgio Armani over the legality of using "Gio" in its branding, the Donnellys decided to end production. There was no legal battle with Giorgio Armani, this is pure fiction.
Gio-Goi relaunched in 2005 after new financial backers were keen to revive the brand. It is now worn by several musicians, including Pete Doherty, Hardwell, Mike Skinner and Kasabian front man, Tom Meighan.[2]
Actors Danny Dyer and Paul Nicholls[3] as well as boxer Michael Jennings,[4] and musicians Calvin Harris[3] and Hard-Fi[3] have also been seen wearing Gio-Goi clothing.
Gio-Goi collaborated with Pete Doherty to create a range of T-shirts. The line was exclusively available from Selfridges in London on 7 December 2006 for 30 days and was released to selected stores thereafter.[5]
In December 2008, Pentland Group bought a 20% stake in Gio-Goi. Pentland's chief executive Andy Rubin said: "This is a very positive investment in a growing brand which is win-win for both sides. This is a strategic investment for us. We think Gio-Goi has been doing a phenomenal job."[6]
In October 2010, Gio Goi opened their first ever high street store in Union Square Aberdeen.
In January 2013, Gio Goi went under administration and was bought out by retailer JD Sports.[7]
References
- ↑ "Film documenting the glory days of Madchester scene debuts Gio-goi brothers' party". Manchester Evening News. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
- ↑ "Rock keeps reborn Gio Goi fashion label on a roll | Reuters". Uk.reuters.com. 2007-04-26. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
- 1 2 3 Mens Designer Clothing: Gio Goi, Original Penguin, Franklin & Marshall, Converse, Henleys, Scotch & Soda and more Standout.net
- ↑ Donnelly24.com - Projects - Michael Jennings
- ↑ "Pete Doherty inspires clothing line". NME.com. 2006-11-06. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
- ↑ "Pentland takes slice of Gio-Goi". www.drapersonline.com. 2008-12-19. Retrieved 2009-03-14.
- ↑ "JD Sports Fashion buys Gio Goi out of administration". www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk. 2013-02-05. Retrieved 2013-09-15.