FESTIVAL SEASON WITH FARAH


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In the spirit of the festival season, highlights from Glastonbury weekend and the first day of Summer, we caught up with a selection of artists at Neighbourhood Festival and Liverpool Sound City, kitted out in Farah apparel and footwear prior to their live performance.


THE Ks


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First up the K’s, an underground success story in rock & roll and Neighbourhood Festival main stage opener. With over 90,000 Spotify monthly listeners, streaming in the millions and a sell out recent tour, they shared with us an overview of their recent gigs, known to be a guaranteed riot.

How are you feeling about getting on that stage?

Yeah we’re buzzing, we’ve just finished our tour where every venue sold out. Honestly it was massive, it was quite overwhelming actually with all these big cities. We’re from Earlestown us, in the middle of nowhere so yeah.

Looking at the video you did for Chancer, you can see the community you’ve built and all of those people singing it back. How did you feel when that one went out as the response was absolutely massive?

It was class wasn’t it? It was all over the radio, straight after ‘Hoping Maybe’ which did exactly the same…so we’re obviously buzzing. We were close to reaching number 1 on the itunes chart behind Miley Cyrus but she wasn’t budging. We were close though, I heard it was close!

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THE K’s SPOTIFY PROFILE
98,500 monthly listeners



REIGNMAKER


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A 5 piece up and coming band Native to Liverpool, known for their Indie sound and energy. We caught up with the band at both Liverpool Sound City and Neighbourhood Festival to find out more about their recent movements.

You guys are carving your own paths with two very strong singles this year with 'Find My Own Way’ and 'Stay Behind’. How has it been received?

It seems to be really good in this city especially, everyone seems to be talking about it and saying good things. Reignmaker has been a thing for so long and finally we’re not kids playing Oasis in Zanzibar anymore so it’s been great.

The Liverpool scene is such a rife place for music. Are there any artists that you cite as influences for you and your music?

'There’s loads. Night Cafe, Jamie Webster, Connell Delage, everyone really.’

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REIGNMAKER SPOTIFY PROFILE
1659 monthly listeners


MALADY


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With such a unique sound, London based band Malady take inspiration from their surroundings, particularly from their debut single back in 2020 ‘London, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down’. Check out their pre-performance interview below describing their inspiration and music approach.

We love the sounds you bring to your music, a little bit of Indie, a little bit of Dubstep and a touch of early 90s rave sprinkled in there. Is it nice to have that between you all and have that mix of genres in there?

Yeah we grew up on Indie and then got into dance more recently and hip hop as well and we each bring different things to the band.

Does that come quite naturally in the writing process when you’re together in a room?

I think so. We all listen to a load of different stuff so it’s just a case of taking different things in and then it’s all going to come out in some way, shape or form. Us, as well as a lot of other people, don’t go by genre in terms of what we listen to.

All your tracks take you on a different journey. Do you write and record yourselves or within a studio to lay those beats down?

Most of it starts in my room producing most of it there…all the details, the songs and the electronic elements are done there and then we go to the studio at the end to co-produce the final bits and add the instruments.

Do the tracks ever go in different directions from what you expected?

Yeah, like Black dog for instance was written years and years ago but it’s only recently that we’ve been able to finish it and there’s a few other songs that have started off completely different and ended up in a different lane.

MALADY SPOTIFY PROFILE
19,462 monthly listeners


THE COVASSETTES


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Manchester based band, The Covasettes, combine a mix of Indie and Rock genres to bring the ultimate performance. Releasing their debut single 'This Feeling’ back in 2017, the guys have since accumulated a number of top singles, with their most recent 'Be Mine’ reaching over a million streams on Spotify. Upon catching up with the band, they discussed their recent Manchester based gig, consisting of their biggest capacity so far…

You’ve had a great year already at Gorilla, that sold out for you guys and was a big monumental moment. How did it feel being on stage for that?

It was the best gig ever, wasn’t it? It was what we’ve wanted to do all in one room and the atmosphere was so good. Also what I liked was that there was a whole range of people there. Sometimes I think it’s all going to be young people but everyone you can imagine was there, absolutely loving it.

Amongst ourselves we all said that every single one of us has a little bit of a moment wondering are we actually going to cry on stage right now? It was a really emotional gig for us and such a huge moment.

THE COVASETTES SPOTIFY PROFILE
81,967 monthly listeners


RIANNE DOWNEY


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Leaving Scotland behind to move to Liverpool, singer / songwriter Rianne Downey’s success is growing by the day. Boasting support slots with Paolo Nutini, The Snuts and the Coral using projecting words of reassurance and encouragement to others allows her to effortlessly rise to bigger stages.

You’ve played Liverpool Sound City a few times haven’t you?
Yes this is my third year here at Sound City and it’s lovely to get to hear everyone else play as well. This venue is proper iconic, bucket list stuff.

When you were growing up, what kind of music did you play in your household?
What’s weird is I didn’t grow up around a lot of country music but I loved Johnny Cash when I was growing up, Ring of Fire was the first tune I ever had on my phone.

'Come What May’ and 'Beautiful Body Attracts’ are such beautiful songs and they seem to have gone down really well.
Yes it’s been so positive. Everyone seems to have really taken to the songs and got really into them and with every release the fan base is growing as well which is so nice.
When I was on tour in March I was looking at a sold out crowd singing your songs back to you, I can’t explain that feeling.

Your song 'Songbird’, the visuals you’ve got with it and the way it flows is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you so much. It’s one of those ones where it literally fell out of me in about 10 minutes because it was just pure emotion. I was getting ready for a gig in Manchester running late with 10 minutes before the van was going to be outside and trying to pick an outfit. I then picked up my guitar and wrote the song. It was very much a here and now moment.

RIANNE DOWNEY SPOTIFY PROFILE
Rianne Downey - 9,055 monthly listeners


Check out ours SS23 High Summer collection and footwear to get your Festival fit.

Go Reggae Warriors!


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Farah has been entwined in Jamaican culture since the 1970s. As Jamaica embarks on its debut appearance at the Rugby League World Cup, we wanted to honour the roots and connection between Farah and the country.

The team is pitted against Ireland, New Zealand and Lebanon for their group games, across England. To mark this historic moment, we headed up to their training base in Leeds to understand more about the team, Jamaica and the players personal connections with Farah. Our interviews with prop forward Ross Peltier, half-back James Woodburn-Hall (interview coming soon on our insta!) and winger, Abevia McDonald express what it truly means to be part of the tournament and to represent team Jamaica.

We caught up with fellow team sponsor and Reggae legend, Levi Roots, in our Farah London Earlham Street Store talking about his memories of Farah as a teenager growing up in South London. Levi wears our Lovers rock AW22 collection.

We’re delighted to be the Official Off-Field Sponsor for the Jamaican Rugby League Team, with the limited edition collection now available to purchase on our website.

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Good luck boys. Out of Many, One People 🇯🇲

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Jack Hawitt


We chilled with Barrow-born singer-songwriter Jack Hawitt for our latest Farah & Friends interview where he openly chats about a childhood spent listening to The Chart Show, how his style and sound has evolved and how he really feels about playing centre stage at London Pride’ 22…

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Before we get into anything music or fashion, how’s life Jack?

Life is good! I mean a couple of years out due to the pandemic but otherwise, it’s pretty much back to normal with more gigs and stuff…

Did the pandemic help with fuelling your creativity?

I have a studio in my garden so it was really nice to just go out there and work. I did loads of songwriting and writing sessions - via Zoom, of course. It kept me busy…

What is the ‘creative process’ like for you?

I prefer to work with other people; it’s nice to bounce ideas off others. Ideally I like to work with a producer and songwriter - that’s my favourite way to write music, but if it’s just me, I’ll start on the piano. I play keys; playing melodies and chords whatever comes to me, see what I like and then usually in the melody I’ll sing a word, then from that word I’ll get inspired, then that becomes the song…

How long have you been playing keys?

Since I was a kid; my mum had a keyboard and when I was 15 my parents got me an upright piano. I’d listen to songs and then play by ear. I’d listen, rewind, play, pause, rewind and learn that way. Technically I don’t know what I’m doing as I’ve not had any lessons; in a way I wish I had the technical training, to come at it from both sides…

What inspired you to be an artist?

I was really into music as a kid, listening to Radio 1, The Chart Show; Micheal Jackson was a real inspiration, that was the start of it all, I’d say.

How did you find your sound?

Listening to my favourite artists and taking inspiration and style from my idols, interpreting it in my own way and creating my own sound.

Did you know that you’d succeed?

I always said it as a kid, growing up, all I wanted to be was a pop star. But I shifted a bit and did musical theatre for a while, too. At 16 I went to drama school in Leeds. That’s why I’ve got a bit of a hybrid northern accent.

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What gave you the confidence to be a solo artist?

After so many years of working on music, I just know where I am with it now.

Festivals? What’s the plan for ‘22?

I’m going to Secret Garden Party and I’m headlining the BBC Introducing stage in July which is really exciting plus I’m playing the main stage for London Pride on 2nd July.

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London Pride will be epic!

Totally! I’m from a small town (Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Lake District) and there wasn’t any gay people in the town, there wasn’t any gay people on TV. Section 28 was still in force, Margaret Thatcher put out legislation where you couldn’t teach about gay people or gay families…

Coming out in school you’d think there would be a lot of bullying, I was so lucky my school was absolutely amazing - not everyone has that. Some people have real horror stories, especially from a small town. It is something quite hard to do when you’re a teenager, especially when there isn’t much support around.

What advice would you give your younger self?

To have trust with people around you, to make sure you can trust them and then do it in your own time, when you feel ready; find someone who you look up to and seek their advice or help.

How reflective are life experiences when writing songs?

Personal experiences are important but also my friends’ personal experiences, too. For example, my song ‘Louder’ is about an argument I had with my boyfriend. We didn’t make up before we went to sleep, so we were lying in bed in silence and that’s the whole point of the song.

Describe your style in three words?

Smart, comfortable and seasonal.

How does Farah compliment your style?

I love the stuff from Farah; the shirts especially, you can smarten them up or wear them casual. I’ve got the Greenports - they are really cool, I wore them with black boots making them a bit more army-vibe…

How have you developed creatively?

I think I’ve explored different things. My style this year has changed as I’ve got more into the music industry and got to know more people. I would describe my style as Anthemic Pop!

Is sustainability important to you?

I must admit that in the past, it’s not something I thought about but now it’s something I’m more interested in participating in. I replenish my wardrobe so often but I always take them to the charity shop; never just throw them away.

Best advice you’ve had?

Don’t write songs to please other people.

What’s next for Jack Hawitt?

More music, more videos, really looking forward to Pride, it’ll be the biggest show I’ve ever played on the main stage…

Finally, what is creativity?

Happiness.

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#farahandfriends #music

KeepVibesNear


We sat down with singer-songwriter KeepVibesNear for our most recent Farah & Friends interview where he opens up about his sources of inspiration. Hailing from East London with a West African heritage, he talks about emotional sincerity, style and the challenges faced when establishing his voice…

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Before we chat about all things style and music, how’s life?

Life’s good! New management, new beginnings, good times…

Tell us more about you, where are you from?

I’m from East London, Whitechapel and my folks are from Nigeria.

Where does the name KeepVibesNear come from?

When I first started making music, I was coming up with some rubbish names. I wanted to make my name KVN because of my name - Kevin - but there was a Spanish artist called kvn who kept coming up on Spotify and our songs would mix. So, I changed my name to KeepVibesNear and it’s funny, a lot of people actually guessed my name is Kevin from KeepVibesNear, I dunno how.

What didn’t make the list?

Mace Swankdo! Something random like that but it ended in the right place, so it’s all good…

How would you describe your style in three words?

I’d say - dark, smooth, sexy…

How long did it take to find your voice as an artist?

It took a long time - my whole family sings - my Mum, my bro, my little sisters, they all sing. I figured that quite early on I couldn’t sing like Chris Brown or Trey Songz; it became a matter then, of me experimenting with what my voice can do and through that, I got to find my voice. I used to play guitar all the time in school and I feel like that helped as I learnt how to sing in those chords, which then translated into how I sing now.

What and who are your influences?

Growing up, I’d say soul icons like Stevie Wonder and all the greats were big influences but the turning point was when I started listening to Lauryn Hill. She was the first black person I saw sing and play the guitar - I started listening to her and that got me into Neo Soul and artist like Erykah Badu. As I got older, I started listening to indie music like King Krule and John Mayer, that really helped me with my delivery.

What inspires you?

Life. I was in a long relationship; a lot of my songs are very retrospective. Now that I’m single, the subject matter is different with the inspo coming from what I was going through and what I thought was cool; I’ve always liked love songs over other songs, so I just started making them.

So, would you say you’re in touch with your emotions?

100%! I don’t feel like I’m completely emotionally mature but in terms of accountability of how you feel, that’s something I’ve learnt to do - you know how we mandem don’t really talk about how we feel!?

Especially when growing up in ends, it can be difficult to express ourselves. Conversations like this however, need to be encouraged; that’s what I like about my music, a lot of the time, the introspect that I talk about, a lot of people can relate to, as a lot of the time, it’s about me f*cking up, which can be looked at as a learning point or a chance to grow.

Let’s talk festivals - are you going to any this year?

Going to a few with The Silhouettes Project but in terms of the solo stuff, I’m gonna chill this year.

Best advice you’ve ever received?

Be patient.

How does Farah compliment your style?

I think it’s dope!  Greenports really compliment my style a lot as I’m not wearing skinny trousers anymore; the baggy fit is the vibe. I like cargos that aren’t restrictive; I don’t need to wear a belt anymore and it’s a game changer. Farah is cool because a lot of the pieces are interchangeable.

Is sustainability on the mind when shopping for clothes?

Yeah 100%. I only really shop vintage. Sustainability is definitely important.

What are you most proud of?

I have a lot of stuff to be proud of but I’d say The Jazz Café - when I hopped on stage and said my name, KeepVibesNear - the crowd went crazy!

What can we look forward to from you in the future?

I’ve got a new project I’m working on, I’m just in the process of finishing it and getting all the videos done.

It’s going to be called Noir; I feel that Noir R&B is the best way to describe the music I make; it’s melancholic and dark mixed with smooth Neo Soul.

Creativity is…?

Key.

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GLASTONBURY ’94, REVISITED FOR FARAH SS22


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For high summer, we delve back to a landmark year where musical greatness and good times were within reach; it was the heyday of Britpop and the year that saw Glastonbury televised for the very first time.

1994 is the monumental year and the setting is Worthy Farm, Somerset, UK. Across 900 acres - where the iconic five-day musical festival takes place annually - is an undulating sea of tents and flags; the air is filled with the anthemic sounds from the likes of Blur, Björk and Oasis.

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Recapturing that rousing, 90s vibe and taking style cues from the eclectic tribes that flocked to the festival, is where Farah’s latest high summer collection is pitched.

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And after the last couple of years, there’s an undoubtable yearning for this ‘Let’s be havin’ it!’ attitude and the new collection celebrates this uplifting sense of ‘good times are incoming’, post-pandemic.

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COLOUR STORIES

Beginning with a seasonal colour palette inspired by the hazy backdrop of thousands of tents and bustling crowds seen sprawled across a sunny Somerset landscape; wearable hues of Dusty Lilac and Smoky Brown are punctured with pops of Pyramid Yellow and Summer Green - all recaptured as though filtered through the lens of a compact 35mm camera.

SUSTAINABLE SILHOUETTES

1994 was not only the first year that Glasto’ was televised, it was also the first time a wind turbine was erected to power the main stage. Continuing Glastonbury’s sustainability ethos the new collection includes several pieces made from recycled materials.

The Worthy Parka (coming soon) – a signature festival silhouette in Vintage Green – is fabricated from 100% recycled materials while the Colbert swim short is constructed from recycled polyester.

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ICONIC GRAPHICS

For prints, expect to explore the archives of iconic 90s graphics.

Kaleidoscope patterns are big news as seen on the Murphy swim short and Rebello shirt with its linen-mix construction, making it the perfect summer staple.  

Meanwhile, engineered stripes are abundant as are heavy block prints, present in the knitted long sleeve Pilton - because we all know what a British summer is really like!

Continuing this print-strong story, a Yin & Yang placement graphic has been used on pieces like the Colbert swim short as well as regular fit jersey T-shirts - the Mackey - and for a slightly smarter option, the Parker is a short sleeve woven shirt that boasts being made from an eco-responsible viscose blend, Ecovero™.

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CHECK MATE

Undoubtedly, the Britpop era was to see an explosion in checks; back then it was the stylistic epitome of lad culture and for SS22, we have  reignited our timeless appeal with the Austin check over-shirt that can be coordinated with the matching Trehurst short and Weller blouson jacket, the latter made from an Organic Cotton blend. In a 90s relaxed fit, and made from Organic Cotton, the Maverick adds a modern twist to the check-look with its unique jacquard, patchwork-design.

So, as far as soundtracks to summer go, our  latest collection - alongside all its sustainable innovations – is definitely (not maybe!) a real sign of the times; good, good times!

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SPRING SUMMER 22


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A grey Thursday morning late May, the year 1990 the location Widnes, Cheshire, England.

As 27,000 fans descended onto a crammed field surrounded by chemical factories unbeknownst to them The Stone Roses cemented their pillar in rock music history. For a band who once professed their desire to play a gig on the moon this was not far off. The band’s rebellious nature led them and the fans to Spike island, a place that had never been used as a Rock and Roll venue.

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“We wanted to do something outside the rock’n’roll norm and do it in a venue which had never been used for that sort of thing before. This was back in the days of raves, remember. We started out doing warehouse parties and we still had that mentality where we wanted to play different venues. We wanted to play places that weren’t on the circuit.”

The gig managed to capture mainstream attention and define 90s youth culture creating the blueprint of expression going forward.

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Drawing inspiration from the energy of the time our design team sought to channel this into the SS22 collection. 

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The Rockfield organic shirt in vintage Green and Raw umber reminiscent of casual wear of the 90’s.

Playing with the fabrications, prints and detailing to bring a broad and engaging offer, from checks, twills and ripstops to the camo prints of our Leckie overshirt, which could have been a staple in any 90s wardrobe.

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The collection is completed with the Greenport sweatpants, a relaxed fit trouser that gives a nod to the rebel raver.

Uptown Top Ranking with Bianca Saunders and Farah


Bianca Saunders collaborative collection ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ with Farah, pays homage to the up dressing style of young Jamaicans in 1970’s and uses the iconic Farah press to explore the male subcultures of the time. We caught up with her at the collab launch event in Selfridges, where she screened a bold and distinctive short film to accompany the collection.

“I love the nuances of masculinity together with the influences of my Caribbean heritage, going deep into Farah archives and finding ways to push forward the silhouettes and signature styles of the brand with my own transformative techniques.” Bianca Saunders

Here’s a round up of images of the night shot by Aaron Mundow

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WORLD WATER DAY


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To mark World Water Day 2022, here at Farah, we’re being transparent about what we’re doing to help reduce water usage to minimise the harmful impact it has on people and our planet.

WATER USE IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

It’s estimated that the fashion industry is responsible for using around 93 billion cubic metres of water per year. That’s enough water to quench the thirst of 110 million people for an entire year! However, the industry relies heavily on water for the entire production process; from growing raw cotton to all the textile and finishing processes. Cotton alone, is one of the most widely used natural materials in the industry - it’s also one of the thirstiest, taking an average 10–20K litres of water to cultivate just 1kg, depending on where it’s grown. Plus, an estimated half of all cotton production requires additional irrigation, which in turn, adds strain to local water supplies. Then there’s processes such as dyeing, spinning and finishing – all thirsty work not to mention polluting, too.

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WHAT WE ARE DOING AT FARAH

So, it goes without saying, the fibre, textile and fashion industry must now act to minimise its water consumption.  Here at Farah, we believe it’s not good enough to just acknowledge the impact that the fashion industry is having on the planet without trying to change our ways and improve the way we work. We’ll be honest, there are no quick wins. The journey to becoming more sustainable is a long one, however, in early 2020 we made the right decision to reduce our use of conventional cotton and introduced the use of Organic Cotton to our core lines - and our aim is to continue to increase this, each season.

WHY ORGANIC COTTON?

According to a report published in 2014 by Textile Exchange, it found that water consumption drops by 91% with Organic Cotton compared to conventional cotton. In addition, further research by the Soil Association also suggests that pesticide use would drop by up to 98% if all cotton farming converted to organic. Furthermore, the Organic Cotton used for Farah Menswear is certified by either GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OCS (Organic Content Standard). This gives added assurance that the best practice is being followed every step of the way - from raw material to finished fabric.

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CREATE A WARDROBE THAT CARES

Farah recently signed up to the Textiles 2030 pledge, through WRAP.org.  This means we are committed to not only reducing our greenhouse gas emission over the next 10 years but also reducing water use by 30%. We’ll be reporting on our progress annually, so watch this space.

In the meantime, you can be assured that when you buy a Danny T-shirt or Jim Sweatshirt or any Farah product carrying the ‘made with organic cotton’ label, you’ll be curating a more sustainable wardrobe. And it need not stop there - continue to help save water and energy by following the Clevercare instructions on how to best launder and look after clothes with minimal impact on the environment .

FARAH X BIANCA SAUNDERS - SPRING SUMMER 2022 COLLABORATION


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Introducing London designer, Bianca Saunders and the collaborative collection ‘Uptown Top Ranking’.

A graduate of London’s Royal College of Art MA programme, recent 2021 winner of globally renowned ANDAM Award and finalist for the LVMH Young Fashion Designer Awards 2021, Saunders challenges gender-construction and seeks to explore her Black Caribbean roots by exploring garment transformations to reflect the wearer’s subculture.

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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CLOTHES MORE SUSTAINABLY


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Farah & Friends with Pete Martin from SoccerBible magazine


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For this instalment of Farah&Friends and to celebrate the launch of our new collaboration which recently just dropped in time for the big Summer of football.  

We spoke with Pete Martin, Editor at Large @SoccerBible about style, inspirations and his industry advice.

Read the full interview below;

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Farah x SoccerBible talks to Ziezie


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There’s undoubtedly a collective appreciation when football meets fashion and music, which is why we’re proud to present the artists featured in the Farah X SoccerBible ‘Unity’ collection campaign shoot. Introducing ZieZie.

Platinum selling artist ZieZie has already clocked over 200million worldwide streams. His rapid rise to success includes heavyweight collaborations with multi-platinum artists including Ms Banks, S1mba, Stylo G and Aitch (Buss Down’, ‘French Kisses’ plus support from key tastemakers including Complex, Clash, Notion, Guap, GRM, Robert Bruce (Capital Xtra) and DJ Target (1xtra). The South London, afroswing rapper has also just released his new single ‘Show Me (Montre Moi)’.  

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Farah x SoccerBible talks to iLL BLU


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There’s undoubtedly a collective appreciation when football meets fashion and music, which is why we’re proud to present the artists featured in the Farah X SoccerBible ‘Unity’ collection shoot. Introducing, iLL BLU …

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Farah x SoccerBible speaks to TSB


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There’s undoubtedly a collective appreciation when football meets fashion and music, which is why we’re proud to present the artists featured in the Farah X SoccerBible ‘Unity’ collection shoot. Introducing, TSB.

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Farah x SoccerBible talks to Everyone You Know


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There’s undoubtedly a collective appreciation when football meets fashion and music, which is why we’re proud to present the artists featured in the Farah X SoccerBible ‘Unity’ collection shoot. Introducing, Everyone You Know.

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