Bigger Isn't Always Better: Indie Designer Pins We Love

Bigger Isn’t Always Better: Indie Designer Pins We Love

WORDS BY: ARIELA KOZIN

They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but it’s no secret big retailers tend to steal their merchandise ideas from indie designers. Whether it’s clothing or accessories, the copy-cat incidents are well-documented with little consequence repeatedly — often times sold to shoppers for a lot less money.

The exploding enamel pin craze from niche online shops is the latest victim of big business plagiary. Even we must admit that we LOVE the bargains that giant retailers can offer, but pins are just as affordable when purchased from sweet little shops. So if you want to get in on the pin trend, click on sites like these instead of turning to mall staple stores.

Shop Tuesday

Shop Tuesday just so happens to be owned by one of our favorite art girls, Tuesday Bassen. Her items aren’t just sugar and winking cartoons–other pins feature quotes like “No damn time for your bullshit.” Besides the online store, Tuesday has an LA IRL shop called Friend Mart and clients like The New Yorker and Nike. While you’re scouring for pins, patches, and a ton of home goods are also waiting to find a home.

Ban.do

Ban.do is the one-stop shop for all things kitschy. Made up a small team of ladies who love bright colors, irreverent patterns, and quirky sayings, they always have exactly what we want to pin on our jean jackets. If you don’t have something to snap your pins onto, Ban.do also has fun shirts, sweaters, backpacks, and more.

Prize

Pals and Prize owners, Luke Flynn and Kym Naimon launched the first collection as a love letter to New York. Now the duo say their pins are inspired by vintage classics and a celebration of rare and coveted trinkets. It gets even better—each design only has a limited run, which means that unlike big retailers, you likely won’t be seeing your pin on anyone else.

lead image courtesy of @tuesdaybassen

featured image courtesy of @shopbando

@prizepins

Bigger Isn’t Always Better: Indie Designer Pins We Love