Plastic Free Punks
Our oceans are one of the natural world’s most mystifying and awe-inspiring habitats. Over 70% of the world’s surface is water and yet we know more about outer space than we do about the depths of the seas, oceans and waterways that are the lifeblood of our existence. But water is not only a source of sustenance and wildlife but also creativity.
Our Oceana theme is made up of a number of collections that have been inspired by the magic of water, something that captured the imagination of Simon many years ago. Caddis - inspired by childhood memories of playing by a stream - was one of the first ranges Simon designed, and this has been an enduring theme in his work ever since. One of the latest collections, Electra, embodies the power and strength of schools of fish and the way they distort light when they move through the water.
Oceana was also partly inspired by the creatures that call beautiful bodies of water home. You can find frogs in the Frog Prince range, stunningly coloured turtles in Mock Turtle, as well as Eagle Rays and Coral also featuring heavily. The way water plays with light is beautifully captured in the Aquarius Range, and the mythological intrigue of the ocean inspired Amphitrite, named after the wife of Poseidon.
Beauty Under Threat
Whilst the beauty of water is undeniable, the sanctity of our oceans is under threat. Climate change, pollution, and particularly plastic waste are all slowly suffocating ocean life and causing irrevocable damage to our wider planet in the process. Whilst highly acclaimed documentaries like Blue Planet and charities such as Plastic Oceans have tried hard to bring attention to the issue, it’s simply not enough. More has to be done and a punk-like, anti-establishment attitude towards climate change action has garnered both support and headlines in recent months.
Fast Fashion - The Enemy of Sustainability
Whilst corners of the fashion industry are doing their bit to reduce waste and pollution, other areas are a big part of the problem. Fast fashion is second only to oil as the world’s worst polluter. 85% of our old clothes end up in landfills and the process of creating cheap clothes and accessories uses thousands of chemicals that often end up in our waterways, chemicals which are deadly for wildlife.
It’s one of the reasons that Simon Harrison is so passionate about craftsmanship and taking the time and care to create a lot of our collections by hand. We aim to create pieces that will become an investment in both the wearer’s wardrobe and personal history and don’t simply become another cog in the fast fashion machine, chasing trends and creating unnecessary waste in the process. As designers, if we want to continue to be inspired by the wonders of nature, we have to do everything we can to protect it - and if that exhibiting a little bit of punk rebellion to have our voices heard, then that’s what has to be done.
