Our Story
Chimes of Freedom was born out of lockdown, January 2021 in the UK. I started doodling and designing logos to serve as a distraction and fill up some time when life was much slower. I came up with a logo and brand name for a business which was more of a buy and sell concept, however soon realised that there wasn't much creative input required beyond that. I began to delve a bit deeper and zoned in on some personal interests, and that's when the idea of C.O.F came about.
C.O.F is a hip and unique contemporary fashion brand, influenced by my love of music in general and rock 'n' roll, western and native styles and expressions. The concept behind the brand is to channel these genres and styles into a contemporary look. My version of events. A more sophisticated and modern representation of the mentioned styles, if you like.
The naming of a brand isn't always straight forward. It needed to have rock 'n' roll, western and native connotations, without being gimmicky. The name 'Chimes of Freedom' came from nowhere. It just hit me and nothing else was considered after that. My liking of the song, written by Bod Dylan, clearly influenced the idea, but then reading into the lyrics and their widely believed meaning, I was further more convinced.
Without going into too much detail, the lyrics involve such varied emotions, from thunder and lightning and dark cloudy skies, to rays of sunshine. Overall the song signifies “hope”, and it seemed so apt for the time of lockdown.
Fast forward to April 2023, C.O.F finally launched with a modest collection of t-shirts and headwear. A handful of the ideas that came to me over that period of time had now become real. From the time between the brand just being an idea to launching, I accrued a huge list of ideas/designs, which are waiting in the wings to be brought to life one day. This also convinced me that the brand could be much more than just a 'flash in the pan' and that there could be longevity, if that's what I wished for, which I truly hope is the case.
It was so important to me that the quality of the product wasn't compromised. All the tees have been manufactured using 100% organic ring-spun combed cotton. I sampled extensively to ensure the fit and the quality was perfect. By using quality fabric which lasts the test of time, I hope to build a relationship with my customers based on trust and longevity, as well as style.
C.O.F has been an awesome project for me to work on, serving as a great hobby for some time, and then blossoming into a side business. I hope that you like what you see, and feel, for all those that invest in one of my pieces. It's going to be a wicked feeling and a huge honour to see you rocking that C.O.F vibe.
Who knows where this project will take me, but trust me when I say, I'm not short of ideas. If you wish to follow the journey, then be my guest.
All the very best,
Leon - Chimes of Freedom
Instagram & Facebook - @chimesoffreedom.co.uk
Website - www.chimesoffreedom.co.uk
Link below to a news article which the Halifax Courier kindly offered to publish at the time of the brand launch: