More then just your regular fashion label, Philip Normal delivers a fun a playful collection of garments mixing modern pop culture and iconic retro graphics to make the perfect amalgamation. Based in London’s new creative hub Brixton. We take a moment to talk to Philip about is self named label “Philip Normal” and the history that led him to this point. Model is Scott Humphreys.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe your self and your work?
Philip Normal: Reactionary, pop, colourful, collaged and moustached.
KALTBLUT: Tell us about your journey that led you to this point.
Philip Normal: I moved to London in 2000 and studied Fashion at Westminster. I did a string of jobs, such as retail and bar work, all of which i thoroughly enjoyed. I have been lucky to have met some amazing inspirational people in London. I never stopped making clothes, however fitting into the mainstream fashion industry for me was like fitting a square peg in a round hole. I decided to open up my own little shop in Camden Stables Market, and I sat there in the freezing cold with my sewing machine, it was such a fun time. I was the fashion fun editor of Super Super magazine at the time too. I just made crazy colourful things and people responded to them with such joy. It grew from there and i now am loving my new shop in Brixton Village.
KALTBLUT: What would you say this is the biggest influence to your design process.
Philip Normal: Pop culture, humour and current affairs. My philosophy is, if you can’t make fun of something you can’t take it seriously. And with the world being such a dark place at the moment, there’s lots to make fun of and take seriously.
KALTBLUT: We can see graphic’s play a large part of your design aesthetic, talk us though your your inspirations.
Philip Normal: I have always loved how communicative a t-shirt can be, so it’s great to be able to on a daily basis make clothes that say something!
KALTBLUT: How would you describe your guy?
Philip Normal: I see my work as unisex, not gender defined. However, i would say men have always responded to my work more, because there is such a lack of fun menswear in the industry.
KALTBLUT: Who’s your dream client?
Philip Normal: Valerie Cherish
KALTBLUT: Who’s your favourite fashion icon?
Philip Normal: Aunt Sassy
KALTBLUT: Whats the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Philip Normal: If nothing matches, everything matches
KALTBLUT: What was the last music track you listened too?
Philip Normal: Tears Run Rings by Marc Almond
KALTBLUT: What do you do to let your hair down?
Philip Normal: erm… Wine
KALTBLUT: Whats the best thing about being you?
Philip Normal: To wake up with a T-Shirt idea in the morning and to be able to make it a reality straight away and erm.. wine.
KALTBLUT: Whats your spirit animal?
Philip Normal: 2007 Britney
KALTBLUT: Where can people buy your work?
Philip Normal: In my shop, 45 Brixton Village, online at www.philipnormal.co.uk – Etsy, and Depop.
Instagram @philipnormal Facebook: facebook.com/philipnormalphilipnormal/
All Underwear avalible from prowler.co.uk
Team Credit:
Photography: Karl Slater www.instagram.com/slaterkarl
Stylist: Kennedy Silver kennedysilverstyling.tumblr.com
Model: Scott Humphreys @shhumphreys
