Designer Paul Salter Discusses the Spring/Summer 2015 Collection | Pretty Green
Pretty Green
2015 S/S COLLECTION “The Production”
Designer Pat Salter Discusses the Spring/Summer 2015 Collection (1)
On the evening of January 11, 2015, during London Collections: Men, "Pretty Green" presented its Autumn/Winter 2015-16 collection in a runway show format. Following the collection period, the brand is also generating buzz with its debut at PITTI UOMO in Florence. We conducted an exclusive interview with Pat Salter, the head of Pretty Green's design team, which is currently on such an upward trajectory.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
The 2014-15 Autumn/Winter Collection: The Beatles as Inspiration
Pretty Green designer Pat Salter oversees the design of the "Japan Limited Edition" capsule collection, released exclusively for Japan upon the brand's arrival in the country in 2012. In the interview, we first asked about the currently available2014-15 Autumn/Winter Collection.
For this collection, the brand participated in London Fashion Week for the third time, presenting its collection in a runway show format for the first time.
Pat Salter commented, "The inspiration for this collection comes from The Beatles' impromptu guerrilla live performance, 'Gig on the roof' (Rooftop Concert), held on January 30, 1969, on the rooftop of Apple Corps. The items they wore during that live performance serve as the motifs and concepts for this collection." He added, "My personal favorite item is the black and white Harrington jacket made from optical fabric. It incorporates all the elements of Pretty Green – smart, sophisticated, classic, and British. The use of luxurious fabric is also a key point."
The Benefits of Participating in London Collections: Men
The Spring/Summer 2015 collection, for which we are presenting look photos, was also unveiled in a runway show format during London Collections: Men in June. Regarding the benefits of participating in this fashion week, Pat stated, "I view it very positively. It's significant that Pretty Green is participating in an event alongside major British brands. We are often perceived as 'just a brand Liam started as a hobby,' but it's a crucial platform to demonstrate that this is a serious business."
He also cited UK rock from the 1960s and 70s as the most important element in design.
Pretty Green
2015 S/S COLLECTION “The Production”
Designer Pat Salter Discusses the Spring/Summer 2015 Collection (2)
The current "Pretty Green" lineup includes the casual lines of the Classic Label and Basic Label, alongside the top-tier Black Label (Liam Gallagher line) and the Tailoring Line. At London Collections: Men, the Black Label was showcased. The Spring/Summer 2015 collection, themed "The Production," was presented at the "Gibson Brand studio," famous for hosting tours by artists like Paul Weller, Miles Kane, and Primal Scream.
The Relationship with Liam Gallagher in Design
Designer Pat Salter explained, "My relationship with Liam began in April 2012 when I joined the design team. When we start creating a new season's collection, I first present an outline, and then the discussion begins. We develop concepts for materials and colors, create samples, and Liam provides revision instructions. At that point, Liam brings in his favorite clothing and gives very detailed revision requests, such as matching them with the samples."
"When OASIS emerged, grunge, with its dark and heavy sound, was mainstream. But OASIS's positive rock and roll attitude of 'Enjoy life, don't worry about anything' completely changed the music scene. I think Liam, in particular, felt approachable, and people wanted to emulate him."
Inspired by Liam's Vintage Collection
Looking at the Spring/Summer 2015 collection, particularly the key items in the strongly themed Black Label, we see a focus on hard-hitting pieces such as oversized leather parkas, micro-dot peak-lapel suits, and British-made trench coats, all inspired by Liam Gallagher's personal vintage collection.
The theme for this collection is "The Production." In the early 1960s, recording studios required all involved staff – sound engineers, producers, and musicians – to wear formal uniforms, either suits or white lab coats. By the late '60s, The Beatles emerged with a more bohemian style. This collection focuses on the creative studio scene, bringing that new, fresh recording style into the studio.
Interpreting the tailored fashion that greatly influenced the staff surrounding these artists – from The Beatles to Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks – particularly those behind the scenes in production, Pretty Green offers its unique take. Utilizing European fabrics and craftsmanship, the collection showcases excellent detail down to the natural Australian pearl etching buttons.
The suits, in particular, are made from high-quality Italian materials. The silhouette is based on modern tailoring. Classic details are evident throughout, such as the 15-inch hem picot stitching on pocket flaps, lapels, and collars that create an authentic mod feel.
PAT SALTER
Design Director at Pretty Green. Born in the suburbs of London. Greatly influenced by his music-loving father. After graduating from the London School of Design, he worked in a London tailoring factory that handled production for a wide range of brands, from major to small, becoming involved in all aspects of fashion design and production. After serving as a Senior Designer at Ted Baker, he joined Pretty Green. He currently serves as Design Director, overseeing all labels.
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