If you're one of the many who loves to hunt around for quirky products, here's one more name to add to your list. Four Goan boys Malcolm Rebello, Denzil Rodrigues, Gourish Poke and Swapnil Behere have recently launched a new brand 'Icescrewd' currently featuring funky t-shirts, badges and stickers which have a unique Goan-ness to them.
“It was our dream, since our time in college together, to do something for Goa,” says Behere, who along with the rest passed out from Goa College of Art in 2013, and presently works as a freelance artist. “ With so many people living Goa, we decided why not start something in Goa itself. If people from outside Goa can come and start something and make a profit out of it, why can't we?”
With the Indian Super League in progress, the four decided that it was a good time to launch their brand and website with a collection specially designed for the tournament. “ We wanted to create products which Goans could wear with pride and would love to have. And with the super league one, we felt it was a good time to do something related to Goa especially for the fans. Also, with the finals being held in Goa, people coming in to Goa for the match would also be looking to take some souvenier from here as well,” says Rebello, who also works as a designer with an IT company.
Thus, Icescrewd was born. And quite a quirky name at that. “In villages, if you listen to ice cream vendors going around selling their ice lollies, the 'asfruit' calls sounds like 'icescrewed',” explains Behere. “ These ice lollies come in different flavours and this is what we want to reflect through our brand.”
“Also, when you think of ice lollies, it evokes fun filled childhood adventure memories,” continues Rodrigues, who is also a free lance illustrator. “Plus an ice lolly is cold. This is what our brand is all about. It is fresh, cool and awakens the child in you .”The Icscrewd logo has a bee atop of the ice lolly which also a great significance.“The hardworking bee searches around the flowers and removes the best part. And everyone wants what is best. Also an ice lolly melts soon. So we want to emphasis on the fact that people should grab the products soon,” explains Behere.
The brand has three collections so far - Escape to Goa, Bee Fearless and Icescrewd. And with funky sayings like 'Fume Charge Repeat' and 'Cause Kombo says so', they are a must pick up. “ Each design has been finalised after a lot of discussion between us on whether the customer will like it or not,” says Rodrigues. While one can order the products on their website and get it home delivered, the team also had bee hive points at Mapusa and Porvorim where one can pick up the orders. Coupons in the form of nector bucks are also available for use online.
“ This is something which we want to do and we are not really bothered about any competition right now. At present we are learning but at the same time also looking to provide a platform for other artists who would like to come on board,” says Rebello.
And while the products are only available in Goa at present, the four have plans of taking it across Goan borders in the future. “We are also looking to get more printables like books, shoes mobile cases, mugs, frames etc,” says Poke, who side by side works in the media field. “ An important thing that we will be introducing soon caricatures. One will be able to get personalised caricatures on the products.”
