Energy of youth

Raf Simons patches memories of London’s iconic 100 Club on Fred Perry classics
By Alex James Taylor | Fashion | 14 September 2020

Raf Simons has long incorporated musical iconography into his designs, from his FW98 collection drawing influence from German synth-pop pioneers Kraftwerk to his now-iconic FW03 New Order parkas created with Peter Saville. Now, the Belgian designer looks towards London’s legendary 100 Club for his latest Fred perry collaboration.

The collection draws specifically from Fred Perry’s 2018 book, 100 Club Stories, a collection of anecdotal stories and rare imagery that traces the basement venue’s storied 75-year history. Reinterpreting Fred Perry classics within his own signature cuts, tropes and silhouettes, Simons splices and patches images of legendary performances, cuttings and flyers. Some of these memories include punk bands Amebix, Disorder and Sinky Toys and come from photographer Bev Elliott, a punk who kept a scrapbook of her Soho nights in the 70s, and Iain R Webb, a journalist who kept diary entries of his nightlife – including many at the 100 Club.

Boasting a line-up of oversized parkas with detachable fleece liner, wool coats with DIY patches, oversized shirting, tailored houndstooth blazer – with ‘RS’ pin – and chunky knits, the capsule pays homage to its subcultural influences via a contemporary eye. See the collection below modelled by Danny Gibbs from UK band Baby Vanga.

GALLERY

A stalwart of the London music scene, the 100 Club has played host to multiple subcultures throughout its storied history. Launched in 1942 as a swing club, it was populated by GIs during the war and jazz stars of the 50s, including BB King and Muddy Waters. However it was during the 70s when the venue cemented its name as a hotbed for the punk scene, hosting “the 100 Club Punk Special”, which included the Sex Pistols, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Clash, Buzzcocks and The Damned. It was a night that has proved a touchstone in punk history. Now, 100 Club’s history is translated to a new generation via Simons’ cultured touch.

Fred Perry’s new Raf Simons collection is available on 17th September.


Read Next