Hicalorie
Hicalorie is an international creative label and art collective founded by British artist-illustrator Alexander Devol. Though Devol started branding artworks and projects under the Hicalorie name in 1999 it originally launched as a lifestyle brand in 2006 when other artists and designers such as Matt Sewell, Julie West, Superdeux (Sebastian Roux) Jeremiah Ketner were invited to collaborate.
History
Pre 2006 Hicalorie was used as an alias or tag name by artist Alexander Devol attached to graffiti and street art, the name was also used by Alexander to endorse art shows, products and events. Hicalorie officially launched itself as a brand with various limited EDition product releases such as plush toys, skateboards, homewear and footwear collaborations, each product was released in limited numbers and several of which went on to become collectibles. Breaking into various consumer industries and art communities Hicalorie has gone on to collaborate with other reputable brands from various consumer industries such as Kid Robot, Nike, Converse and Tiger Beer the brand has also completed artwork for MTV, coca cola, capitol records and various other global corporations.
Clothing
In April 2007 Hicalorie launched a sister company Hicalorie Apparel with its first seasons clothing line. The brands entry into fashion attracted more media attention and by its third collection in Autumn-Winter 2008 Hicalorie Apparel was carried by retailers across Europe, USA and Asia. Hicalorie Apparel is now stocked in many online, boutique and independent stores internationally.
Design
On June 07 Studiocalorie was established as an outlet to handle commissioned artworks and design. Offering visual solutions for the advertising and publishing fields this freelance service allowed clients to hire and adopt Hicalorie's aesthetic which was growing quickly popular and recognizable.
Art
Artists who have worked with Hicalorie regularly produce their own artwork independently for various galleries and commissions and while working within and sharing a close fanbase often contribute to group shows together. Most critics dub the aesthetic and artistic style of Hicalorie and many of its patron artists as pop surrealism or superflat and consider it to be part of the 'lowbrow' art movement. During 2008 Alex Devol and Julie West focused on several collaborations and artistic projects together both Hicalorie financed and representing the brand under the production of other partners such as Kid Robot and Red Magic Toys.
Toys
In 2006 Hicalorie produced 100 3" plush soft 'Lefty' octopus toys to generate donation for childcare and [...]-awareness charities. In 2007 Hicalorie released a plush toy named cabello with Argentinian artists DGPH. In 2007 Red Magic released a Hicalorie series of CiBoys Toys. In 2007 adFunture featured Hicalorie in their first blind box artist series 'Buka'. In August 2007 adFunture released Alex Devol's own character 'Lefty' as a 6" Vinyl toy. In January 2009 Kid Robot invited Alex Devol and Julie West into their UK Dunny Series.
Press
Hicalorie products and Alexander's artwork have been featured on online blogs like Josh Spear and Hypebeast, while in magazines such as i.D, FHM, Maxim magazine, Streetwear Today, Sportswear international, Vogue magazine. Alexander, Julie, Jeremiah and Seb have all been featured in their own InterViews and features in British art & lifestyle magazine 'Clutter'.