JOHN_ALEXANDER_SKELTON

British Lion is an exploration of the working class uniform and the stereotypes which have sprung from both the perception and reality of British gangs. The collection was born from Skelton’s fascination with ‘skally’ gang style. Concerned with the attitude, style and sense of identity held by different Gang’s, he delved into their different aesthetic nuances, particularly fascinated by the use of clothing to conceal identity and the adoption of practical outerwear brands to form their own ‘street uniform’. Skelton was intrigued mainly by the gang’s surrounding the Liverpool area. During his research period he visited the city to document the style first Hand. These images provided a solid basis of inspiration on which to base his collection. Through his research Skelton developed a clean, minimalistic silhouette combining tailoring and sportswear to create a strong, masculine form. Solid orange and blue details stand proud throughout the collection, while concealed details and hidden fastenings create a functional, streamlined yet sharp shapes. The collection evidence’s a very strong sense of identity and certain presence which emulates from the clothes capturing a unique perception of the style. Using natural and synthetic fibers of the highest quality, British Lion fuses excellent craftsmanship with the ‘skally’ attitude, pushing the traditional codes of gentlemen’s tailoring to forge a new and intriguing look. Suit’s in waterproof nylon’s show a direct path from sportswear garments re - appropriated for formal use. Transitioning these fabric’s that are not usually associated with tailoring and combining them with one’s that are is just another aspect which add’s to the individuality of this collection. A repetition of block’s of colour and select panel’s really give’s this collection a sense of structure and strength. One of Skelton’s many other interests is Brutalist Architecture which is extremely prevalent in and around London. Building’s and strucure’s such as the Barbican provided Skelton with irregular angular forms from which he expands on in more abstract way’s in the medium of clothing