History of shirts&words // from quality souvenir to fashion brand

In 2007 Susanne van Sambeek wasn’t overly charmed by the traditional style of oversized souvenir t-shirts available in Curaçao at that time. Some brainstorming sparked the concept of using meaningful Papiamentu (the Curaçao local language) words to be printed on t-shirts in a more contemporary cut. An innovative way to promote both the island of Curaçao and its local Papiamentu language.
Susanne approached graphic designer Irèn Nooren of Memento Vivi, to craft the so required trendy look and feel. For Iren, this totally matched Memento Vivi’s vision and mission: promoting both Curaçao and the Papiamentu Language amongst Curaçao aficionados of Dutch heritage. Iren also assisted in the branding of the product and the label styling.

As of June 2007 sales started in The Netherlands, using Memento Vivi’s books.an webshop as sales channel. This first collection featured words as Dushi (sweet), Kayente (hot), Yu di Kòrsou (child of Curaçao), Stimabo (love you), Kumbai (how are you), Hopi Bon (very well), Ayo Kòrsou (bye bye Curaçao), Trankil (relaxed), Konta (how are you), Rilèks (relax) and Pssst (well, use your imagination….). The tryout showed that the word Dushi expressed the feelings people had for Curaçao in the best way. Memento Vivi took over the concept and realisation in 2008.

In order to improve the quality of both cut and colour of the baby, kids, men & women collection, shirts&words selected a new supplier in 2011.

Wooden Buttons already supplied the vivid coloured products for the baby and kids collection. Considering the quality of these products and the positive feedback received, shirts&words selected this same business to also supply the t-shirts for the men and women collection. All products in the baby, kids, men and women collection are made of eco-friendly dyed organic cotton. The men and women collections contain 4% spandex, to retain shape.

Read more about the history of shirts&words