This is an article that I wrote just before the summer, luxury sportswear brand Sunspel teamed up with the famous Bethnal Green Repton Boxing Club to make a short film based on the life and experience of boxer, Ryan Pickard. Produced by fashion photographer Alasdair Mclellan, this was always going to be something quite different.
I wrote this article fictionally for the online fashion site, 'Business of Fashion' around May time but haven't had time to post it on here due to other commitments. It's an article I was really pleased about writing and the amount of research I put into it was quite intense. Anyway, have a look for yourself and enjoy.
BoF Exclusive | No Guts, No Glory.
After the recent death of boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper, it seems as good a time as any to pay hommage to the sport that took over his life. Alasdair McLellan has done just this by bringing together fashion brand Sunspel, and the young fighters from Bethnal Green’s ‘Repton Boxing Club.
Repton Boxing Club by Alasdair Mclellan for Sunspel from Sunspel Clothing on Vimeo.
British heritage label Sunspel has joined forces with British photographer Alasdair McLellan to create a short film on London’s rough and ready East End, Repton Boxing Club. Established in 1884 it shares a unique history and holds the stories of some of boxing’s greatest talents. This legendary Bethnal Green boxing club is housed in a former Victorian-era bath house, which is a stunning contrast to the rowdy activities in which it houses. Sunspel itself has it’s own rich heritage, founded in 1860 and specializes in fine underwear and t-shirts. McLellan has beautifully bought these totally different establishments together and paired them in, what has been proved to be, such a natural way for this film. As a master of luxurious wardrobe staple pieces , Sunspel have taken boxer shorts, polo shirts and t-shirts from their own collections and used them for the imagery of the fighters, emphasizing simple and classic dress for such a classic sport.
The creative director of Sunspel, J.W. Anderson describes the film and collaboration; ‘Alasdair was already working with Sunspel before I became involved with the company. It began when Wallpaper magazine asked Alasdair to work on a project with Sunspel, so credit should go to them. I am absolutely thrilled with what Alasdair brings to Sunspel and I think the film is a great insight into the young boxers lives and the Sunspel basics look modern and timeless on them.’
Young boxer, Ryan Pickard is the main feature in this film and shares his life, training and thoughts of this sport that is such a huge part of his everyday routine. Along with his brother, Ellis Pickard and friends Louis Cadman and Sam Lawson, these ‘proper lads’, dressed in Sunspel train at this historical club wearing pieces from the hand crafted label.
The film’s interview style is different to what you would usually expect from a normal filmed interview. Ryan is interviewed by his friends and family in a more informal tradition, in a place that he feels more comfortable and relaxed. Shots of the club are constantly shown on screen as the boxers talk about the history and what the club means to them. ‘Thick atmosphere and generations of fighters.’
The ‘wall of fame’ is there to inspire the boys, as something to strive to. People who have passed through the gym have their faces put onto the wall. Just like the Sunspel brand they wear, the Repton boys are all about loyalty and tradition to their heritage roots.
The film is subtle, exciting and, in a way, educational. With the 2012 Olympics just round the corner this is a perfect opportunity for boxing as a sport and fashion labels associated with sport to join together in this unapparent, yet magical collaboration of two of the worlds most successful industries, Sport and Fashion.
To pull off a collaboration like this is a credit to Alasdair McLellan, but as the Repton motto says, ‘No Guts, No Glory.’
No comments:
Post a Comment