SWANK

SWANK is a unisex fashion line by GCREST. In the Paradox Live universe, Anne Faulkner created and is in charge of the brand. Items are sold online in GCREST’s SWANK collection and in-person at pop-up stores.

The official Instagram account swank.official_ and Twitter account @swank_official_, which shows off items from each collection and includes commentary from Anne. The brand logo is a swan holding a cigarette in its mouth, and the tagline is “WHO CARES?”

Artist Kana Suzuki creates the promotional character illustrations for SWANK releases.

Official Brand Profile[]

WHO CARES? by Anne Faulkner. SWANK is a unisex fashion brand based on the concept of "WHO CARES?" and expressed by Anne Faulkner themself, free from stereotypes. The brand expresses the hope that everyone will express themselves as they are, valuing their own individuality rather than worrying about what others think of them.^[1]

History[]

Paradox Live first announced the establishment of SWANK on Twitter on February 24, 2022, when the SWANK Instagram account also made their first post with the following English caption:

“

It's more important how you can shine than you care about what other people think.

I wish everyone could live the way they like. I launched this brand with the hope that people would empathize with such ideas, I thought it would be an opportunity for the world to change, and more people can recognize themselves from my actions.

”

Collections[]

2022 Spring/Summer[]

Pop-up Store Run: 3/31/2022 - 4/3/2022; Online Run: 3/31/2022 - 4/14/2023

“

Clothes are not a genre for me. “Which one should you choose to be the most personal?” That is important. Someone’s copy is cheesy. It’s meaningless if you don’t live the way you want to live. Don’t you think so? Value the voice you hear from inside rather than the voice around you. What you wear and how you express it is your freedom.^[2]

”

Item List[]

SWANK Logo T-shirt - ¥5,390
- Outline logo on black
- Color logo on purple
Tracksuit Set - ¥14,300
- Pink
- Cream
Bucket Hat - ¥4,400

Promotional Illustrations[]

2022 Autumn/Winter[]

Original Run: 8/23/2022 - 9/5/2022

“

Hey guys! I'm finally announcing my new collection!  The half-zip and necklace that Allen was wearing in his sleeping picture are actually new items!   In the previous lineup consisted mainly of T-shirts and other basic items.  This time, I tried to make items that are a bit more aggressive, focusing on outerwear and tops.  I want people to not only wear these items, but also to enjoy them in various combinations based on their own ideas.  I hope that the same outfit will shine in different ways depending on the person who wears it.  Be as cool as you want and express your strong and new self!  So stoked to see your outfits! xoxo ”^[3]

”

Item List[]

Varsity Jacket - 16,500
Pink SWANK Logo Sweatshirt - ¥7,700
Half Zip Sweatshirt - ¥8,250
Heart Tag Necklace - ¥6,600
“WHO CARES?” Socks - ¥1,650
SWANK Logo Pink Socks - ¥1,650

SWANK 22AW Novelty Items — 2022 A/W Novelty Items

Novelty Bonus[]

These bonus items were included in orders of over 9,000 yen:

Set of 2 Postcards (Anne & Aoi; Hajun & Toma)
Set of 2 Logo Stickers (SWANK Logotype; Swan Logomark)
2-piece Heart Keychain

Promotional Illustrations[]

“

“For this shoot, in addition to Aoi and me, I invited Hajun and Toma from VISTY as guests!  Hajun happened to have worked with Toma from VISTY for a photo shoot, so I asked him to be our guest.  As expected of the models. They were both so cool and so stunnin'!  We did the shoot in an adult atmosphere, but Toma was so funny afterwards that I felt like having a party with him😎  It's cool to wear a traditional outfit like this with a varsity jacket, or a dressy shirt inside a sweatshirt, right?  I'd love to invite all kinds of guests for another shoot 🥰 ”^[4]

”

2023 Autumn/Winter[]

Original Run: 7/19/2023 - 7/21/2023

“

I'm so excited to announce the SWANK 2023AW lineup! I'm so happy to share it with y'all!  The reason why I chose the campus look for this collection is because of the many biases I have experienced in school regarding appearance and grooming.  I hated the idea that I had to be this way all the time, or that I had to be like everyone else without putting myself out there.  I didn't want to be treated in a uniform way.  That's why I thought that the campus look could change that bias.  Of course rules are necessary and manners should be observed, but I don't think it is necessary to stifle one's individuality.  It would be great if this collection and the items in it could be an opportunity for people to reconsider the biases and rules that exist in the world!  I would be happy if you could show your own style with the feeling of "ANTI BIAS"!”^[5]

”

Item List[]

Side Fringe Drawstring Denim Pants - ¥11,000
Damaged School Cardigan - ¥8,800
- Navy with White/Purple Accents
- Pale Yellow with Cyan/Pink Accents
ANTI BIAS Hoodie - ¥8,800
- Pink on Navy
- Purple on Hot Pink
ANTI BIAS Cropped Sweatshirt - ¥8,250
- Light Pink on Purple
- Blue on Heather Gray
Cropped Track Jacket (Navy) - ¥7,700
Detachable Track Pants (Navy) - ¥8,800
ANTI BIAS Cap (Blue on Pink) - ¥4,400
SWANK Knit Logo Scarf - ¥5,500

Novelty Items[]

These items were included as bonuses during the order period.

Set of 2 Postcards (Anne & Allen; Hokusai, Satsuki, & Reo)
Set of 2 Stickers (ANTI BIAS; SWANK Icon)
SWANK Logo Shaped Mirror (※For orders over ¥10,000)
Smartphone Bag (※For orders over ¥30,000)

Promotional Illustrations[]

“

This time the guest models are Allen and three of Akanyatsura!  The theme was campus look, so I asked all the students to help me!  Allen looked so good in one of the sample cardigans that I asked him to model🤣  He was really nervous at first, but he got used to it and looked great! He's truly get used to the stage.  The glasses he doesn't usually wear are a nice touch! Isn't it cool to wear something nerdy like this?  REO helped me last time and invited all the AKYR members to join this shoot, It was lit🔥  We were able to style a wide range of styles, from sporty to wild, and orthodox.  I'm glad we were able to do it ✌ ^[6]

”

SWANK Home[]

Pop-up Store Run: 11/18/2023 - 11/25/2023

“

“SWANK's first general goods!  The theme of this collection is "STAY WAVY"! I selected the items to make the room lovely as well as the clothes!   WAVY means "cool," and I hope that even when you are at home, you will surround yourself with your favorite things and "STAY WAVY".  I hope you will use it to chill at home and add the SWANK mindset to your daily life!   My first time making general goods was tough in some ways, but it was just as exciting and fun as making clothes! I hope everyone likes it!” ^[7]

”

Item List[]

SWANK Logo Rug - 4,400
STAY WAVY Rug - 4,400
STAY WAVY Heart Cushion - 3,300
STAY WAVY Acrylic Coaster - 1,650
STAY WAVY Tumbler - 3,300

2024 Spring/Summer[]

Original Run: 4/22/2024-

“

The reason I chose "BREEZE" as the concept for this project is because I felt that "deep breathing with the heart" is very important.

I had to make a decision on a problem that I had been dealing with for a long time, and after that, I felt a little tired inside. Then, for some reason, I really wanted to go see the ocean. I don't usually think of my worries as nothing compared to the great nature. But when I went to the ocean, felt the wind and took a deep breath, I felt a little lighter.

It is very important to work hard every day. But it is even more important to take a break from time to time and take a deep breath.

SWANK has always been about "being strong" and "being yourself," but this time I thought it would be nice to create something with a relaxed and chill vibe. I would be happy if everyone could experience a deep breath of the heart through this collection✌️ ^[8]

”

Item List[]

Breeze Palm Tree Shirt - ¥8,800
Breeze Palm Tree Pants - ¥8,800
Breeze Who cares? T-shirt
- Charcoal - ¥5,270
- Ivory - ¥5,720
- Tie Dye Pink - ¥5,940
Logo T-shirt - ¥5,720
- Outline Logo on Black
- Color Logo on Purple
Breeze Mesh Knit (Shirt) - ¥8,250
Breeze Clear Bag - ¥5,720
Breeze Handy Fan - ¥3,300

Novelty Items[]

These items were included as bonuses during the order period (One bonus item per order).

Set of 2 Postcards (Anne; Yohei & Iori)
Set of 2 Stickers (Breeze; Summer SWANK Icon)
Clear case (※For orders over ¥20,000)

Promotional Illustrations[]

“

心でする深呼吸っていうメッセージを考えた時に思い浮かんだのが神林さんと依織さんだったんだよね。CANDYで依織さんからは神林さんの話を聞くし、仕事終わりに4/7に寄ると神林さんから依織さんの話を聞いてたからね。僕もアレンや夏準と一緒にいる時そうなんだけどさ、付き合いの長い友達って一緒にいてすごく落ち着くし、心からリラックスできるよね。作らない自分でいられるっていうか、求められる自分じゃない自分を受け入れてもらえる安心感があるっていうか。だから今回のコレクションの撮影は2人にお願いしようって思ったんだ。実際二人はお願いを快諾してくれたし、見てもらったら分かる通り撮影当日も二人の出す雰囲気がすごくあったかくて。

思ってた何倍もいい撮影ができたし、二人のおかげでアイテムに込めたメッセージがすごくクリアになったと思う！  ^[9]

”

2024 Autumn/Winter[]

Original Run: 7/29/2024-9/9/2024

“

I think peace is a very difficult thing.

It's easy to say, ""Let's all get along without fighting."" You live a normal life and get involved with people who don't fit in. Sometimes someone can make you feel bad, right?

Because it is difficult to realize, I think it is very important for each of us to think about peace, even if only a little.

I know there are a lot of stressful things to see and experience. I decided on this concept because I want everyone to have a peaceful mindset as much as possible!

I dared to use a flower that means ""peace"" in the language of flowers as a pattern on a military item to emphasize the message of pe✌ce.

I hope that the clothes you wear will give you a chance to think about peace. I would be happy if people take my clothes and think about what peace is! ^[10]

”