Abacus Streetwear is something of an anomaly here in New Zealand. Created by graphic designer and third generation Chinese-New Zealander Kelly Ng, unlike other brands, Abacus Streetwear appeals to a wide range of people, not just a select few.

After returning to New Zealand from a stint in London last year, Kelly saw a need for high quality, yet fun tee’s in the Kiwi market. Channelling his earlier years immersed in Japanese Manga comics, early morning cartoons and import car culture, Kelly began designing a full range of clothing that would appeal to a wide audience. The result is the Abacus Streetwear 2009 range, a potent mix of high-octane style and sharp street fashion, all printed on high quality one hundred per cent cotton tee’s. “I wanted a real East-meets-West feel to the range. Much of the collection does have a very Japanese feel, but in a way that Kiwi’s can identify with,” says Kelly.

Looking through the range, it is fairly evident that cars play an important role in the Abacus Streetwear ethos, with Manga drift battles, race harness prints and turbo schematic designs playing a big part in the brand image. In fact, the label has its own 500 horsepower turbocharged V8 street-drifter –no doubt the coolest promotional vehicle we’ve ever seen.

Although car culture does make up a large part of Abacus Streetwear’s identity, it is not limited to just that. Sitting alongside the burning rubber and avgas fumes of the Automotive range is a street fashion collection, filled with dripping golden leopard motifs, Bruce Lee sketches and neon-lit Samurai’s.

As long as you prefer high quality, well designed apparel, you will enjoy what Abacus Streetwear has to offer. Tee’s are available from sizes S to XXL, and come in either standard or tailored fit, retailing between $60 and $70. Visit www.abacusstreetwear.co.nz to see the full range.