ANARCHIC ADJUSTMENT REBIRTH – 40 YEARS ON

From London’s BMX street scene to rave culture and Japanese streetwear, Anarchic Adjustment is back for its 40th anniversary.

Nick and Craig Campbell at AA office in 1990

If you were riding BMX in the late ’80s or early ’90s, you’ll probably remember Anarchic Adjustment. And if you actually owned one of their T-shirts, you’ll remember how hard they were to get hold of.

Nick Philip - Freestylin' article

Anarchic Adjustment was started in London in 1986 by Nick Philip, one of the early pioneers of BMX street riding and the graphic designer behind R.A.D. (Read and Destroy) magazine. His artwork helped define British BMX and skate culture in the late ’80s, and the brand seemed to be part of everything cool happening at the time.

Nick Philip, and the first published BMX wallride

Anarchic Adjustment grew out of that same scene. With bold graphics, a DIY attitude and an underground following, it became a favourite with street riders and skateboarders. You couldn’t just walk into any BMX shop and find it, which only made people want it more.

Anarchic Disturbing

Anarchic Potential / Anarchic Gas Mask

Anarchic Fiver

When Nick moved to California, the brand moved beyond BMX, pulling in influences from acid house, rave culture, art and music. By the early ’90s, Anarchic Adjustment was a cult name in underground fashion, especially in Japan.

Nick Philip backside boneless / Nick Philip hill bomb

Then, almost as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared.

In 2000, we interviewed Nick for Ride UK BMX magazine. He talked about what happened to the brand, including a trademark dispute which seemed to mark the end for Anarchic.

Nick went on to create Imaginary Foundation, another clothing and art project. Meanwhile, original Anarchic Adjustment pieces became more and more sought after by collectors.

Craig Campbell San Jose 1990 / Pete Augustin fence ride

The Rebirth

Over the years, Anarchic Adjustment has popped up now and then, including collaborations with Palace Skateboards and Japan’s NEIGHBORHOOD, which introduced it to a new generation.

Now, 40 years after it all began, Nick is bringing Anarchic Adjustment back with the Rebirth collection: classic graphics alongside new designs.

Some shirts come with individually numbered tags signed by Nick himself, which makes them extra special for anyone who remembers the originals.

The Rebirth...

We’ve got hold of a small selection of the 40th anniversary collection for BSD and Back Street BMX, including Freedom, UFOs Are Real, Peace Dove, Peace Grenade and A New Consciousness.

For us, Anarchic Adjustment is a proper piece of BMX history. It comes from a time when street riding, music, art and fashion were all mixing together and nobody really knew where it was heading.

Forty years later, it’s great to have it back.

ANARCHIC ADJUSTMENT REBIRTH — 1986–2026
Available now at BSD and Back Street BMX while stocks last.