Those of us that can remember as far back as the 1980s will no doubt have a soft spot for Boy London, the label that emblazoned T-shirts, caps, sweaters and more with its bold logo. Now the label has been revived and counts Chloe Sevigny as a fan, so we thought we’d fill you in on its history.
Boy London was set up by Stephane Raynor, a man with quite a London history. In the 1970s, at the same time that Malcolm Maclaren and Vivienne Westwood were causing a stir with their Chelsea store SEX, Raynor set up a stall also on the Kings Road called Acme Attractions with John Krevine. At the heart of London’s Punk scene, it was run by now legendary DJ Don Letts and attracted everyone from Boy George and Chrissie Hynde to Patti Smith and Bob Marley. It even spawned one of the capital’s greatest clubs – The Roxy was opened by its accountant, Andy Czezowski to cater for its cool clientele.
Come 1976 Raynor and Krevine had shut up shop and turned their attention to Boy London. The clothing line had its first store on the Kings Road and started off as a punk staple, decking out the likes of the Sex Pistols. But it was in the 1980s that the brand really came into its own. By this time punk was dead and the coolest kids in town were kick-starting the New Romantic scene – Raynor was right there with them. He and his friends, now 1980s icons (Boy George, Steve Strange, Rusty Egan and Princess Julia) spent their time hanging out at the Blitz club and teaming their Boy looks with outrageous makeup and homemade accessories.
Raynor showed off his new offerings with shows more akin to parties in the London’s hippest night spots and before long the brand had an international following. By the end of the decade no fashion fan’s wardrobe was complete without a T-shirt emblazoned with its winged logo, and, with his finger firmly on the pulse of the next big thing, Raynor channelled the emerging Ibiza club scene into his collection, complete with eye-popping shades and smiley faces. It became one of the most copied labels around, to such an extent that Raynor effectively lost control of the brand and it fizzled out.
These days Raynor runs a vintage store in London’s East End called Sick. And he’s just revived the Boy London label – he’s teamed up with Urban Outfitters to create a small range of uber-cool branded pieces.
(Elle UK)
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(netaporter.com)
Thank goodness, their back! I don't know what happened, but I hadn't seen any of their pieces for a while, and it was my hope that they weren't just a "flash in the pan" that would no longer be heard from. Much to my delight, their gorgeous "re-purposed" offerings are back and, might I add, all sold out! I've become a huge fan of their romantic pieces which, as the story goes, are culled from antique and vintage dresses. Tops one and four really really "hit the spot".....the back of number one and the neckline of number four, is just the right amount of sexy without being overdone. I look forward to more from the creators of these awesome designs, as past collections have included their romantic and beautifully detailed dresses. Stay tuned!
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I read about Lola in the April Issue of Essence magazine. I'm always on the lookout for "new" designers and such and was pleased when I ran across the article about her collections. I immediately browsed her website and it was love at first sight! Initially drawn to the vivid pinks, blues and yellow, I find her collection, a bit of an antithesis to many of this season's fitted looks. Her ample and bubble hem dresses are exquisite, as are the "slim silhouettes," maxis and those lovely polka dots. Often, it bodes well to add some ample pieces to your wardrobe as the temps start to soar; they are a nice "breezy" option to fitted clothing which tends to hold heat.
She certainly has my stamp of approval on her beautiful and inviting collection!
Read further for a little background on Lola Faturoti.
The Ondo, Nigeria native started designing in 1993. After a Hiatus and a stint in Italy, she relaunched her eponymous line in 2006. The bold, colorful collection of separates and dresses is made from such fine fabrics as silk and brocade. Prices range form $250 to $1200. Sold at fine boutiques and specialty stores worldwide.
Says lola, "The women of Nigeria inspire me-their strength and flair for life."
(Essence Magazine-article & lolafaturoti.com-clothing)
Photographer: Cecil Gillard
www.cecilgphoto.com
Model: Doris
www.rednyc.com
Hair/Makeup: Ai Yokomizo
Ai.makeup@gmail.com
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