Henry in da House!

So, I applied for some writing experience with an online writing website, who basically have regular writers who submit an article once a week on a subject of their choice and it gets published on the website. http://fightapathyordont.com/
Well, I sent over my blog for them to look at and they loved it! So now I have a weekly slot on the brand spanking new style section of the website and today I sent over my first entry!
I thought I would share the article on here too before it goes live, I hope you enjoy! :)


Henry in the House!


As a treat for you all, with this being my first article on the site, I am going to share something that really has brightened up my day.
As a huge fan of the label, House of Holland I am regularly keeping up to date on the promotional tools in which they are using to enable their collections and brand is a cut above the rest. This is when I came across the Pre-Spring 2012 fashion film, put together by photographer Mariano Vivanco and featuring the beautiful model Eliza Cummings, it showcases the upcoming collection from designer Henry Holland.
The first time I sat and watched it all the way through I just thought, WOW! I must admit I did sit and giggle a bit to myself. This type of ‘music video’ is unseen these days, and although there are many platforms to show these kinds of music videos we just aren’t really familiar with them anymore. It wasn’t until I watched it through a second time when I realized the sampling in the song (relating to Postmodernism, which I am now an expert on 2500 words of an essay later) which related back to the 80’s. I then looked back at the ‘Buffalo Stance’ video by Neneh Cherry, and there is a lot of reference taken from the original 80’s video.
Everything about the short film, including the effects and the movement of the model relate back to 80’s hip hop. Especially the baseball cap and sunglasses.
As for the garments, I think Henry has done us proud again. After his last Bingo inspired collection, this sharp turn for everything loud and fun is a positive prediction for how the months of June - September are going to turn out. The block colours and insanely busy prints aren’t something that genuinely fit in with the trends seen on the Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk, but then lets face it, when has House of Holland ever conformed with the trend.
As well as the bright, blocked colours, the skull and bone motif is seen continuously throughout the film. With it’s excited, upbeat vibe, this particular pattern gives no better reference to the ‘live life to the fullest’ Day of the Dead celebrations.
I urge you all to watch this short film, which could definitely give the real music video a run for it’s money, and guarantee you will up off your seat dancing and miming along to the music (along with model Eliza Cummings, another comic moment!). And if you do get a chance, have a look at the collection available to buy at http://www.houseofholland.com

PRE COLLECTION SS12 from House of Holland on Vimeo.

No Guts, No Glory.

I admit, I have posted quite a lot today and there is definitely a range in topics that I have covered. But like I said before, I'm focusing on stuff I love now and producing work to the best of my ability based on that.
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.’