Drawing inspiration from the vibrant landscape of late 80s and early 90s Britain, the latest collaboration between Fred Perry and Raf Simons invites us to revisit a time of both adversity and flourishing unity. It was an era when communities and chosen families united to share their love for music and fashion.
Today, Fred Perry proudly presents its newest venture with Raf Simons. The esteemed designer, who bid farewell to his eponymous label a year ago, concludes his remarkable fifteen-year partnership with the British brand. This collection harks back to a period when personal style became a statement. Think bleached and over-washed T-shirts with sleek, tailored cuts that suggested garments had shrunk in the wash. The inclusion of contrasting piping pays homage to the iconic T-shirts worn by early 90s bands. These intricate details encapsulate a time of both hardship and countercultural efflorescence in Britain—an era that captivates the designer’s imagination.
Over the years, Simons used Fred Perry as a canvas to explore his obsession with British youth culture. References that matched and interchanged with the brand. References to Manchester, Northern Soul, punk and the 100 Club, all reimagined through his distinctive vision, infusing Fred Perry classics with modernity. “A polo shirt is a polo shirt, but the Fred Perry polo shirt always brings a youthful subculture vibe,”
– Raf Simons
To bring this collection to life, the lens of British photographer Ewen Spencer, captured its essence in the basement of the renowned 100 Club on Oxford Street. There, a diverse group of individuals embodies the spirit of youth and the enduring allure of this unique era. Among them are Jim Longden, DJ Keyrah, musician Joni Sammuels, DJ Kojay, and Oskar Gudinovic and Aaron Hurley from the band Cardinals.
Photos: Ewen Spencer