Illicit Clothing was formed in 1996 by Steve Hodge and Martin Emond. 

 The label began after Steve and Martin worked on producing limited edition posters for the likes of leading New Zealand rock band Shihad, as well as art prints of Martin’s own work. 

Martin had recently returned from the U.S where he had been working closely with legendary American musician Glenn Danzig of Danzig and Misfits fame, producing the covers for Danzig’s comic book horror titles such as Verotik, Satanika, Sunglasses after Dark and Jaguar God to name but a few. 

 Having become a world-renowned Illustrator on the back of his work with the companies D.C Comics in the U.S and IPC Magazines in the U.K, Martin produced art for the likes of Judge Dredd, Lobo and Accident Man. 

Martin’s magnum opus was his artwork on the comic series White Trash.

Other than the comic art of his friend and mentor Simon Bisley, and the comics of New Zealand artist Roger Langridge (who once shared a studio space with Martin) White Trash was one of the last truly hand-painted comic books ever produced.

Martin expressed an interest in producing his designs on T shirts, and with Steve’s family business firmly entrenched in the 'rag trade' it was a natural fit. 

A small range of tees were produced and Illicit became a reality, selling into stores around N.Z. 

With Martin’s international acclaim and reputation well-established, Illicit soon gained a loyal fan base around the country, attracting a cult following amongst the art, fashion and live music scene.

Bands around N.Z were soon seen in illicit clothing on stage and in videos, along with many visiting international bands grabbing a tee from the Illicit shop while on tour in N.Z 

Illicit expanded from just t-shirts to full 'cut and sew' mens and ladies ranges, and had a very strong following in the NZ and Australian Rockabilly/Rock n Roll scene, selling to numerous stores throughout Australia. 

Martin was living in L.A where he was working with MTV on a new cartoon series.

Upon the eve of the opening of the new Illicit HQ store on Auckland’s Karangahape road, Martin died suddenly while living in Los Angeles.

His passing was met with a huge outpouring of sadness, with many tributes to his legacy expressed throughout New Zealand and internationally.

 Martin has left behind an extensive and unique body of art and design that to this day, continues to go unmatched worldwide.