"There's a lot of people who don't listen to heavy metal who are making patch vests and stuff for different things," says Smith. "You see a lot of Forever 21 stores that are carrying vests that already have studs on them. It's just kind of funny how that's kind of bled into other things."
Madi Smith is a SLUG contributor and local heavy metal fan who has created and customized her own kutte, or “battle vest” which is a part of heavy metal and biker culture. SLUG asked her how she chose her patches, and how she has customized her vest to make it her own.
Special thanks to Salt City Builds, who hosted this month’s SLUG Style in their shop space.
Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct and unique member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.
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Smith’s vest is heavily customized. “Originally I just cut out the panels because this vest was a large and I wear a small,” says Smith. “I found this at a thrift shop and I took the sleeves in a little bit and then cut out the panels. Then I decided I was going to make some chain mail so I combined two different weaves and just put them in there.”
“I had this vest pretty incomplete for a long time so I’m just finishing it up right now,” says Smith. “I’ll probably take some off and move them around because I still have some space to fill up.”
“It helps when somebody comes up to you and they see a patch on your vest that they really like—it’s good as a conversation starter,” says Smith. “People will ask you, “Hey. What’s your favorite album by that band” or “I love that band too” or “That’s a cool patch. I’ve never heard them.” It just helps you get to know people—like a billboard for conversation.”
“There’s a lot of people who don’t listen to heavy metal who are making patch vests and stuff for different things,” says Smith. “You see a lot of Forever 21 stores that are carrying vests that already have studs on them. It’s just kind of funny how that’s kind of bled into other things.”
“It’s nice with the customization too because there are some people who will steal vests,” says Smith. “If I saw someone walking around with this, I’d be like, ‘Oh—that’s my vest.'”
“I just saw Enforcer last week. I bought a patch from them. That was a really cool show,” says Smith. “Also local bands is a big part of it.”
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