LONDON | NOSTALGIA | STREET CULTURE
My transition into the fashion industry begins with experimenting with the ready-made starting out with sweatshirts and hoodies the aim is to learn about fits and style by understanding the materials I am working with, using currently trending techniques, mastering them, and further pushing its boundaries.
My inspiration comes from the exploration of nostalgia, for me that is my upbringing in London, which I associate with walking in the park, at one with my thoughts in a place where I felt comfortable with myself, breathing in the cold fresh air. In all honesty, I grew up staying at home most of the time, so I didn’t get to grow close with friends and my ideas of nostalgia tend to be brief moments I had such as chilling on a brick wall outside of school with friends or going to the newsagent I lived above, my perspective is a mix of my own memories and the memories I saw other people making while I stared out of my window where there was a patch of grass. it was that large patch of grass that I saw kids crossing over with their bikes, walking with their airforces.
as mentioned before my work is based on nostalgia, a simple moment that doesn’t require a positive or negative influence, it just is, like walking, or playing, it’s something we’ve all done (basically a part of life) but the environment we do those things varies by location, in London its the rough concrete playgrounds and the patchy grass, whereas other countries may have the cleanest floors or the brightest sun. The GIF above represents my thought process, I see the garment as taking a sample of a moment, which is why there is a lot of thought to composition it needs to be natural and suggestive, you could follow the footsteps on each piece as if you’re walking, running or standing.
You begin to see a transition in the work, from heavily sneaker based aesthetics in black to bold colours, patterns and textures. The sole prints were essential to the ideas of the initial collection, they show direction, presence, and movement, you’re following someone’s journey. The soles being recognisable worldwide benefited sales but also means it becomes the sole focus. I know my work has standalone value, the time and care I put into composition and expressing an idea is what always brings it value, so I wanted to step away from the shoe prints and start exploring different interests such as colour, focusing more on these pieces as fashion items that can be worn with multiple fits.
NOSTALGIC DRINKS
whilst focusing more on colours, and textures, as i am with my art i was influenced by moments in my childhood, and some of the colour fades i created matched up with a thought in the past, fizzy drinks and large logos. I then began basing some of the sweatshirts on drinks drawing a direct influence to its colour pallet but also the feelings it evokes, mainly a summer hint to this collection as i was working on it during summer.