James Hock S/S’16: New Basics

For S/S’16, London­ based designer James Hock continues to explore his concept of “new basics”, and the manipulation and customisation of everyday garments to create something fresh and exciting. This collection see’s classic white T-­shirts sewn together to form oversized, dual­-wear pieces, suitable for both hot summer weather and those chilly evenings. A classic white vest is transformed into a crop top with unlikely shape, and signature pieces from James’ previous collections are re­created in linen for easy summer wear. This collection also welcomes a vibrant pop of colour, pulling away from James’ signature taste for monochrome.

For this collection, Hock has also glanced to Asia – and has created highly wearable, light garments from cheesecloth, which can be manipulated with straps and worn in a variety of ways, with some working perfectly as belted jackets, but also as draped tops, dresses, or kimono­ style over pieces. Light, Made in England, hand­knitted pieces are prominent throughout the collection, playing again on James’ fascination with shape, texture and structure.

Accessories – always a key aspect of James’ collections – hold an important role in creating something truly different and special for S/S’16. Large, floppy cotton brimmed hats and frilled net hats both give this collection its edge, while salvaged leather bags – re­created from leather jackets – with bondage rope and hemp rope as straps take us back to James’ love for customisation, where his interest in fashion and design stemmed from.

S/S’16 is a true representation of James Hock finding its middle ground, and James creating pieces that give a nod to both his eccentric past, but also translate his vision of “new basics” and ultimate wearability and longevity – season to season; year to year.

Lina Ayers

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