Exclusive b Store SS '11 Film
Published 15 months ago
London store presents its Spring Summer collection in a film made by director Ivana Bobic, seen her exclusively on Dazed Digital
- Text by David Hellqvist
The Savile Row boutique long ago ceased to be just a retail outlet. With the distinctive style of its two proprietors, Matthew Murphy and Kirk Beattie, the shop also turned into a fashion line a while back. For next year's summer collection, the duo worked with film director Ivana Bobic and architect Tom Finch to present their aesthtic vision. Looking back at early 90's club culture in London, Murphy and Beattie offers a loose silhouette and over-dyed floral prints. Dazed brings you the film exclusively and chatted to Murphy about the title and London nightlife in the 1990's...
Dazed Digital: what inspired the collection?
Matthew Murphy: Originally we were inspired by layers and transparency, mixing
patterned fabrics with sheer layers to create a muted, soft result.
This led to the garments having a more relaxed feel and slouchy
silhouette. We realised that the mix of florals and the shapes related
to a late eighties club atmosphere, the transitional period between the
bagginess of rave and the smarter side of house clubs of the early
90's.
DD: What does the title 'London Belongs to Me' refer to?
Matthew Murphy: The title was a collaborative effort between ourselves, film
director Ivana and Jason Hughes, the stylist. When we discussed the
inspiration and direction of the film, we wanted to recreate that
period of post club euphoria, walking outside the club, a new day is
approaching but there is an emptiness to the city, it feels as if
'London belongs to you'.
It's partly about early 90's London night life.... were the both of you convinced ravers?
Matthew Murphy: Without a doubt. My introduction to both fashion and music
came from standing in the cue at ASTORIA in 1989, waiting to get into
SIN, one of the most exciting clubs there has ever been in London. This
left a lasting impression on me, after being inspired by so many music
scenes that I could only read about, this was the first ground breaking
cultural movement that I could finally be part of.
DD: Shop, menswear line, magazine: what's next for b Store?
Matthew Murphy: We have many projects to keep b store the store and brand moving
forward... With the brand we have two collaborations coming up for
spring/summer 11. An eight piece men's capsule collection with LIBERTY and a
jacket collaboration with the English heritage brand Baracuta. In the
store we have a really exciting group installation/ project by young
artist couple Francis Upritchard and Martino Gamper, who are creating a
platform to showcase Francis's brother amazing hand carved stone
jewellery. The installation runs for the whole of august. Then in September we will hold a presentation during London fashion week for Natascha Stolle's 2nd collection for b STORE womens.
DD: Fave piece from the collection?
Matthew Murphy: The four button double breasted linen short suit...
