Saints Of The Undead is a custom leather, denim, etc. brand, specializing in WWE, horror, and metal music themes. Pieces have been seen on icons such as Chris Motionless of Motionless In White, Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides, and many more. We're here today with artist and owner, Lee, to discuss all things SOTU including: favorite pieces, working with Curst, WWE appearances, and the list goes on. Introducing Lee...
1. When did SOTU officially launch?
"I started SOTU about 11 years ago in 2013, but this was just showing on social media my graphic design work and some of the custom denims that I had created. This lasted for about 5 years until I launched my website in 2018 with 2 T-Shirts, a beanie, and a few custom denims that I couldn't even sell for £60 haha. The idea was to lean more into being an apparel company which offers custom clothing on the side, but now it's most definitely the other way around, which is amazing as I get to be creative on new pieces every week."
2. Were there other brand names considered before SOTU? If yes, what were they?
"Not at all. It's always been this name because I think it's just so good haha! It was actually a song name that I came up with back in my band days. I was working on a track which was kinda industrial/horror themed and the chorus hook was 'We are the Saints of the Undead.' When I started the company, I lifted the name and it was that easy!"
3. How did the Curst collaboration manifest? Did you always envision this kind of partnership?
"I'm a little hazy on the inception of my relationship with Curst, but I think it was just a mutual admiration for each other's work, being small business owners that are trying new things in crowded industries. I think the work ethos between myself and Mariel are very much aligned. Ive always loved graphic design and creating different types of products, so when the opportunity came along to design packaging for makeup, I instantly said yes. I am VERY excited for the future products that we have planned together!"
4. What is your production process? Do you have a team or any help in the process?
"No team, it's pretty much just myself that runs every aspect of the business, which is very tough considering everything that goes into SOTU. My Wife does what she can in helping me a few nights a week with studding, etc. but she has a full time job also, so it can get a little overwhelming at times. I am hard on myself as well. When we fall behind in our custom clothing schedule, I don't want to disappoint my customers. 99% of them are very understanding and are happy to wait as they can see that I put my all into every piece I create. I'm very thankful for their patience and I think in the future it would be great to employ 1 or 2 people to assist in the admin and social media side of the business."
5. Do you have a favorite jacket you have created? If yes, which one and why?
"Not really a favorite, but there are lots that hold special places in my heart, either because of the person it was for, the theme it was in, or what sentiment it holds for myself and the business. The Chris Motionless Werewolf Jacket is one of those, as it was such a special piece and spawned the official replicas being produced for the MIW fans (which we are still ongoing with). The first jacket for Rhea Ripley, as that was the first time my work was on a WWE stage and opened so many doors for great opportunities. We recently created a trench coat for WWEs Damian Priest which is probably the most insane piece I've created. I love it very much!"
6. Three favorite bands off the top of your head!
Currently I'm listening to the latest releases from Blind Channel & Falling in Reverse, and I am deep diving into Dead by April.
7. Which band was the inspiration for your first music-related piece?
"I remember doing a few Black Sabbath pieces back in the denim days, but when I first started learning how to paint, it was a MIW Wasp themed jacket. I remember the customer wanted certain lyrics from the chorus down the sleeve, so I just freestyled it. Looking back, it certainly isn't my best work, but I guess it's a cool little piece of my history and makes me appreciate how far I've come in my craft."
8. How does it feel to see your pieces in WWE? Is this something you envisioned prior to it happening?
"It's just unreal. I've been watching WWF/WWE since I was about 8 years old and when I first started making jackets, I thought that it would be so cool to one day dress wrestlers. It seemed so unachievable... kinda like thinking it would be cool to make the control panels for NASA one day haha! It's such a buzz when your favourite wrestler's music hits anyway, but when they come out wearing something you've created, it's just amazing... until they take it off and throw it!! That always makes me wince a little! This years Wrestlemania was already a dream with Rhea and MIW, but to have 3 of my pieces on the stage at the same time is definitely a career highlight for me!"
9. Tell us a fun fact about SOTU!
"My work has been featured in UK Newspapers, like The Sun & Daily Mail, featured on Magazine Covers and Video Game covers, featured in Music Videos and on stages all over the world. Instagram still says I am not notable enough to have an organic verification tick on my profile, but direct me to where I can pay them to have one haha! Less of a fun fact and more like a dystopian depressive one. I'm sorry!"
10. What’s your go-to snack?
"Time just seems to fly when I'm working, so when I do remember to eat, it needs to be something quick. Usually little mini pizzas with a lot of cheese followed by excessive amounts of chocolate. Don't worry, my hands are always clean when I'm touching the jackets! Cat hairs on the other hand... get everywhere!"
11. Are you someone that deals with creative blocks? If yes, how do you handle it?
"Not really a creative block as I'm always working on different themes, but I don't want to feel stuck doing a lot of similar styles of designs all the time. I'm constantly trying to improve my skills, so sometimes I need to take time away to try new techniques, which I can then implement into customers' pieces going forward to keep things fresh while keeping the SOTU style."
12. What can people expect to see next from you + SOTU?
"We currently have jacket bookings all the way into November 2025 (and we are currently behind schedule), so more of the same for the next 18 months at least haha! We love adding new customizable items to our store, recently added chained handbags and cross-body bags. These can be produced usually within 4/6 weeks, so not as a long process as the jackets. We may be able to squeeze in a Spring Merch release in 2025, but more info would come on our socials after Xmas. In terms of Curst... hopefully lots more cool collabs with some amazing artists!"
13. If someone is looking to commission a piece, what’s the best way to reach you?
"Instagram is usually where we are most active and I strive to respond to every message on there, if not within the hour, usually by the end of the day. We also have a chat function on our website. Email is also great and any other socials are all managed by me, so whatever is best for the customer! You will only ever deal with me from start to finish."
