New Affiliate Member

Tell us about your business/what you do

TrapMass is more than a streetwear brand it is a creative movement built to motivate and empower people to believe in themselves, take pride in where they are from, and speak up through what they wear. Our message is clear: no matter your background, you can rise, create, and lead.

Inspired by UK urban culture and global streetwear influences like Trapstar, Corteiz, BAPE, Nike and Who Decides War, TrapMass creates bold, limited-edition drops with a message. Every design reflects themes like ambition, struggle, community, and self-worth real experiences turned into wearable statements.

Through fashion, I aim to inspire confidence, raise awareness about issues like knife crime, and show creatives that they can build something powerful from the ground up. TrapMass is not just about looking good it is about feeling seen, being heard, and standing for something.

 

What’s the story behind why you started your business?

I started TrapMass in 2022, Growing up in urban culture, I saw fashion as a voice for youth and expression of identity. After styling artists like Portable and running viral promo campaigns, I saw the potential to push TrapMass as more than just clothing but a movement. Support from university tutors and peers gave me the push to take it seriously.

 

What University did you graduate from?  What course did you study?

University of Derby – BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Marketing (currently 2nd year)

 

What University services have you used for your business?

Be The Boss programme, the Innovation Hothouse, I’ve applied for the Student Residency at Banks Mill and taken part in  Internships and live projects through placement modules. I also make use of the Fashion studios and Mac labs.

 

 

How did the University of Derby services support your business?

They gave me business mentoring, funding guidance, studio access, and marketing opportunities to grow TrapMass professionally.

 

What UoD networks have you found useful during your studies? 

The Innovation Hothouse, Banks Mill residency team, and “Be The Boss” network were especially useful. Also, the support from lecturers and the Fashion programme’s industry connections helped my development.

 

How will being part of our community help your business?

It gives me professional space to grow TrapMass, meet other creatives, access press opportunities, and stay accountable as I build my streetwear brand. It is also a creative environment where I feel supported and challenged.

 

What other work experience/support/ training have you gained that’s relevant to what you’re doing now?

Placement at Reworked 348, live styling shoots, social media campaigns, brand collaborations, digital marketing for fashion, and styling artists with followings over 2 million.

 

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently building the TrapMass “Blades Down, Derby Speaks” capsule a streetwear drop tackling knife crime through fashion. I am also working on the Banks Mill Student Residency Exhibition marketing campaign to help promote local creatives.

 

Tell us a bit about your work and techniques. How long does a piece take to complete?

I design and produce streetwear using a range of techniques: heat pressing, embroidery, screen printing, and fabric manipulation. Each piece is hand-finished in my home studio, often taking several days from concept to final garment. I also use visual storytelling, campaign shoots, and community messaging to amplify each drop.

 

What are your plans for your business/practice for the next 12 months?

• Launch new TrapMass collections.
• Expand into studio retail/online sales.
• Run youth-focused creative workshops.
• Collaborate with anti-knife crime organisations.
• Apply for fashion shows and funding opportunities.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you or your business?

TrapMass is not just fashion, it is a movement rooted in urban truth, creative resistance, and bold storytelling. Being part of the Banks Mill and Derby creative community has helped me unlock that voice, and I am excited to see how far I can take it