June 11: With T-shirts becoming the new forum for self-expression -- think Julia Roberts' "A Low Vera," in reference to husband Danny Moder's ex-wife Vera, who refused to give her cameraman hubby a divorce -- California-based company 2Love wants to capitalize on spreading a little love, not petty war, with their T's. After attending fashion shows while traveling in Europe, creator Matt Schwartz was inspired to started making novelty T's with funky graphics in order to "bring people together through clothes that are comfortable and stylish." While T-shirts bringing peace and harmony to a chaotic world may seem a bit idealist, they certainly can provide comfort. Made with 100 percent superfine combed cotton, baby rib and sheer jersey fabrics that have been garment dyed in a variety of bubble gum colors, the T's are so soft and lightweight you could very well be wearing underwear. 2Love uses blanket stitching around the collars and emblazons their T's -- available in tanks, baseball T's, cap and 3/4-length sleeves -- with '50s-style screened art. Cheeky messages reminiscent of retro ads, such as "Ice Cream: Giant Cones, Oh Boy!," "Eat at the New Hotel Lamar Air Conditioned Coffee Shop" and "Cocktail Hour: Where Smart People Meet," decorate the front of the shirts. "We wanted to represent people who want to have fun, feel great and embrace who they are," Schwartz said in a phone interview from his office in Hermosa Beach. "Using our tag line, 'Put Your Love 2Gether,' the message is to love yourself and then love others."
For their fall looks, 2Love feature jumpsuits and more flower and butterfly embroidery and beading on their T's. But for those who avoid advertising their ideals on their chest, 2Love's spring 2003 collection also features logo-less hoodies, shorts and flare-leg drawstring pants made with super-soft 100 percent cotton fleece. Bureau Report