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Back when I was a kid, there weren’t many options. T-shirts, the cool ones, came in cheap cotton with expensive logos. I wasn’t quite a cool, trendy kid because I couldn’t afford any.

CultureCite last weekend was really a reflection of how fortunate kids are today. Not only are they getting better at designing their own tees, there are now enough avenues for them to display and sell their merchs. Thanks to hardcore supporters and organisers, the scene is burgeoning.

The shirts are cheap treats – they’re rarely expensive, but with so many choices, you better have money to burn if you’re at one of these gatherings.

There were more than 20 labels gathered at CultureCite. More than just offering variety, these kids are actually sending out a message - that DIY is the medium.

There’s also a sense of understanding in the society around them, as evident in Defy’s visually arresting shirts – a blend of Che Guevera and Tunku Abdul Rahman!

Booths that caught my eye were Devotee, two cute dollys who hand-draws cotton tees and turn old ones into pillow cases and pouches for your sunnies. Cute, creative and environmental friendly.

Another label that’s quietly spreading like a cult is “I heart KL”.

Then there is Pop Malaya… before Zul could fully set up his display, people were already asking for the tees and snapping them up like oven-fresh Rotiboys.

In the afternoon, the warm tunes of Decma & The Could Have Been filled the room. Personally, I think they sound better live, somehow. Decma, the lead singer, also happen to have the most innocent of voices.

Other bands like Harmacy, Meet Uncle Hussein, Mohd Jayzuan, The Dearly Missed and Eleanor Shotgun Affair were scheduled to perform too.

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