Riley Studio on the cliffs
The 6am alarm is worth it if it means being by the coast before midday. On assignment for Riley Studio, I made sure I had some time to be by the seaside before getting to work.
Outfit pictured above: RECYCLED COTTON CLASSIC HOODIE and CLASSIC TRACK PANT by RILEY STUDIO, GRANDPA COAT (similar) by OLIVER SPENCER and BOSTON SUEDE TAUPE by BIRKENSTOCK
Along walk by the coast is something I’d love to say I had at my disposal at all times, but sadly not in Leicestershire. That’s why when it does happen, it feels pretty special. Making my way down to Eastbourne on an early train for work with one of my photographers Ollie, we made time for a stroll down by the coast at Seven Sisters. No bucket and spade needed to keep me entertained, simply being by the sea is more than enough these days. I find it quite calming just watching the waves go in and out… yes, I am 27 going on 65. Recently I’ve leaned towards shooting my projects on film, there’s something about the look it gives you and the time you take with each frame that I enjoy, but equally the panic of only having a certain amount of shots never goes away. With a couple rolls set aside to just play with, we took some images on the cliffs as the imagery we were commissioned to work on was taking place in a hotel later on that day.
The reason I headed south was to put together some imagery for Riley Studio. They are a small brand based in London who I have had the pleasure of talking to since the start of this year. Having that ongoing conversation means that it becomes a much more meaningful partnership and one where I can be in communication with the team throughout. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of the co-founders and designers (hi Olivia and Jenna if you’re reading this) and I’ve already invited myself down to their studio in South London to see them in action.
Riley Studio are very conscious about what they put out in the world, focusing on creating garments that are not trend led. The aim being to create clothes that last a lifetime, something every brand should aim for but doesn’t, while at the same time being mindful about the materials they are using. In focus on this day was their classic hoodie, track pant and later on, their sweatshirt; all of which are made from a blend of recycled cotton and recycled polyester. The aim is that this keeps material destined for landfill out of it, using old materials and turning it into new fibres. Seeing more brands use other alternatives to virgin cotton is encouraging, yet it’s something that needs to happen on a much broader scale. There’s no clear right way for me at the moment (admittedly through a lack of understanding), but I do know that organic, deadstock and recycled are all better alternatives then sticking to old ways of making. For now I simply praise brands that are pushing forward with more positive approaches.
I chatted to the brand last month about where my head is at when it comes to this ever growing conversation on fashion consumption and the planet, which you can read on their journal here. I also encourage you to have a look through their website while you’re there too in order to learn about the steps Riley Studio is taking to do better. Hopefully it won’t be too long before I’m standing next to the sea again. jbicon
Could 2023 be the ultimate year of sustainability for fashion? Probably not, but there are some positive things happening if you look for them.