Sleepless Mindz: More than Function

FORM

Mar. 1

You can’t miss the distinctive aesthetic and artistic quality of designer Jason Bempong’s rising art and fashion brand.

Words by Trixie Calmdown for Pyro Lab Paper.

Colourful collections full of reworked vintage, graphic racing jackets and plenty of denim, Sleepless Mindz is distinctly inspired by 90s pop culture, Saturday morning cartoons and the playful nature of childhood. In homage to Bempong’s ancestral roots, many of the pieces feature collage-style patchwork of rich Ghanaian Kente textiles. They boast individually hand-painted details such as lettering and multiple clouds of pink, blue and purple - a Sleepless Mindz brand signature.

Ten years strong and producing some of the most recognizable designs coming out of Vancouver BC, Sleepless Mindz has styled some of the city’s most beloved performers - namely, powerhouse girl-group Naduh + rapper, Baedu. It’s no wonder the custom and one-of-a-kind garments not only catch the attention of the local clientele, they have been worn and adored by the likes of international artists such as Metro Boomin’ GoldLink, ILOVEMAKONNEN and Mike WiLL Made-It. In March 2022, Bempong was commissioned to collaborate on a team jersey for NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. Bright and impactful, the design celebrated Ghana’s 65th Independence Day by incorporating colours and patterns honouring his family’s Ghanaian heritage. The jerseys were worn by the team during Black History Month.

It’s always exciting to see the easy-to-spot, ever-progressive lineup of unique garments that pop up around the city. If you are one of the lucky ones to own a Sleepless Mindz garment, you already know that it’s not uncommon to be stopped by people who either recognize the brand or want to know more about it, because actually, it’s just really dope.

It’s art. It’s streetwear. It’s a movement. ϟ