Subtle is an urban and outdoor brand founded in 2014. It provides weather-resistant and fashionable pieces for city-goers across the globe. The label expects to animate the outerwear from a street or urban perspective. The brand is merging style and substance to enlighten young city-goers as to a new concept of movement.
“From urban life to outdoor adventures”
Over the years, the brand has become a reliable and affordable label of covering people’s carrying needs. From urban life to outdoor adventures, providing high-quality outdoor products for its customers across the globe. Since 2014, Subtle has contributed to exploring the essence of the material and the balance between functionality and Aesthetic. The ethos is to offer well-made products with particular opinions to enlighten an approach to lifestyle.
Subtle is interpreted as something delicate and sensitive. It’s a concept that defines the elements and details to elicit a new recognition of classics and unusual experiences. This Brand originated in Hong Kong, made out of the finest material, trend-conscious and rainwear. These are Clothing – Waterproof Streetwear, Fashionable Outerwear, a diverse range of durable Bags, Footwear, and Accessories.
When urbanites leave the city, the city doesn’t leave them! The natural outdoors encounters a beautiful kind of chaos, an intersection inspiring the newest collection of waterproof bags. The bags for urban explorers!
Subtle x Kenji Chai
Society accepts “man’s best friend”, the friendly, clean, and obedient dogs. When it comes to stray dogs, however, rejection is common and normal to people. While strays are commonly perceived as unseemly, homeless, and unwanted, there is one that challenges that image, the uniqueness!
Graffiti is sometimes a misunderstood art form, but it’s what makes art accessible and gives a city its character. So, no matter what city you go to anywhere in the world, there’s bound to be murals and graffiti around! Kenji knows how to make his mark, a signature in the form of a character. This particular character, however, is a little closer to home than most of us may realize.
“Chaigo” is the signature character of the graffiti artist taking the world by storm, Kenji Chai. “It’s a bright turquoise dog that sports a mischievous mint green fur patch around his eye. It is a reminder of how easy it is to reject others based on appearances. Perhaps, this is the message Kenji wants to share with the world.
Chaigo has now found a new home with Subtle. Kenji designed two limited-edition Mr. Rain U1 umbrellas, “The Stray” and “Vandal”. Both of these are available to purchase directly on the website’s store and soon will be sold in selected shops in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.
MY “TO GO FOR”, Subtle x Mr. Rain
Mr.Rain 707 Folding Umbrella Kenji Chai – VANDAL
Subtle continues to push the boundaries of rain gear by launching a collaboration with the record-holding graffiti artist, Kenji Chai. His iconic character is “Chaigo”- a stray dog that uncharacteristically radiates positivity and warmth.
In this collaboration, Kenji makes a custom design featuring “Chaigo” for Subtle Mr. Rain U1 Folding Umbrella, which will be added to Subtle’s limited series of high-performance umbrellas celebrating pop and urban culture.
Why it’s worth it:
- Duo protection from rain and sun exposure
- UPF50+ ultraviolet protection
- DuPont™ Teflon® fabric coating technology
- Beechwood handle with laser-etched label
- Duo layer of 190T pongee fabric
- Exquisite strap and packaged with dry sleeve
- Material: 190T pongee fabric
- Handle: beech wood
- Diameter: 42 inches
- Frame: three-section
- Shaft: fiberglass and aluminum alloy
The Umbrellas Designer
Kenji Chai – was born and raised in the city of simplicity, Sabah Sandakan, and currently lives in Kuala Lumpur. Kenji is passionate about graffiti murals, art, tattoo, and travel. He was bred in comics, cartoons, and storybooks from an early age. And spent his days rummaging into these worlds of imagination. He injects a world of life and wonders into things that are overlooked, like grey concrete walls and stray dogs.
His works include the use of cute and vibrant characters with his main medium being graffiti. Combining elements of pop culture, fictional censorship, and a positive mental attitude, in all he creates layered scenes of mischief!
For the past 7 years, Kenji has sent “Chaigo” running throughout Europe, Australia, and Asia. And people are taking notice. Brands like Nando’s, Tiger Beer, and Johnnie Walker have commissioned Kenji for standout murals and campaigns focused on wildlife conservation. His most recent project broke the Malaysian record for the tallest mural recorded.
Mr. Rain B1 Dry Sack
Originally designed to store, carry and care the Mr. Rain Boots. Mr. Rain B1 is a fully waterproof dry sack that can be used as a backpack, a cross-body bag, or a handheld sack. Both stylish and functional, Subtle has a simple yet practical structure to protect your belongings and any other valuables from water, dirt, dust, and sun exposure while you’re in outdoor activities. Mr. Rain B1 Dry Sack is consist of three different colors; Black Red and Yellow.
Why it’s worth it:
- Durable PVC and tech nylon
- Ultimately waterproof
- Roll-top opening
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Multiple carrying options
Subtle’s purpose is to balance function with fashion, urban aesthetics, and outdoor functionality. The brand’s name means making fine distinctions, and sensitivity regarding fabric, workmanship, details, and parts. They are using lightweight and waterproof polyurethane fabric with a rubberized coating. It can firmly withstand strong winds and heavy rains whilst keeping the wearer both dry, comfortable, and cool.
