A Bermudian student has launched his own clothing line called Balaclava.

Brandon Phillips, 19, attends the Starbridge Academy football programme in London.

The line he has designed is geared towards people looking for a modern option to streetwear clothing that is comfortable, provides clean and understated design and high quality.

“I chose the name ‘Balaclava’ because it suggests mystery and intrigue of the unknown,” Mr Phillips said. “This is the emotion I would like my customers to experience when they wear my designs.

“As a nod to my Bermuda roots I have included on most of the designs the nautical location of Bermuda — subtle yet highlighting my love for home — Bermuda,” he said.

“Make them wish they stuck around” is the tag line for Balaclava.

“My oldest brother, Aaron, and I collaborated on this tag line. It means that there may be others that do not support you but if you persist you will succeed, and they will wish they stuck around,” he added.

Mr Phillips is all about the comfort and quality of his clothing line and wanted to express his personal style through it.

“Balaclava is a high-quality fabric with a neat and slim design that a lot of fashion-minded men like to wear. This is how my friends and I dress — it’s both comfortable and appealing,” he said.

The products that are being sold under Balaclava are men’s T-shirts, sweat tops and hoodies with the letter B initialled on them. “I am also slowly moving into designs for young women as well, starting off with the crop-top T-shirt that is very popular with girls and young women,” Mr Phillips said.

“For the winter, I am working on some more design options and hoodies in additional colours such as, red and gold, of course, including the traditional staples of black and grey.”

The feedback so far has been positive.

Mr Phillips says the best part of the process is seeing his design on paper making it into a garment and seeing customers wearing and enjoying them. “I must say I love to get a notification on my e-mail that I have an order. I have customers from the UK, Europe, US and Bermuda,” he added.

One challenge Mr Phillips has found is “finding the right supplier for sourcing the garments and locating the printer, that could apply the Balaclava design with the quality and integrity that was necessary within the timeframe required”.

He added: “This part of the process required lots of research and patience — at times frustrating. I have learnt that it is worth as long as it takes to secure the best service providers so that you can provide a product you can be proud of and that the customers will be happy with — that is success,” he added.

Mr Phillips said he had a lot of support from the start. His parents have supported him financially with the start-up of the venture. “They have also supported me with invaluable advice and coaching throughout the process.” he said.

Not only have his parents been a huge support but his brothers have also assisted with the internet and modelling of products. “My cousin, Nathan Trott, and my close friends, Anthony, Yani and George, have also helped me to promote the Balaclava products. I am so grateful and thankful for all this support without which I could not have pursued this wonderful opportunity,” he added.

Mr Phillips designs his own products.

• For more information or to view and order from the product line visit www.balaclavalimited.com