The iconic tailor Gresham Blake is a favourite of sharply suited men from Nick Cave to Ray Winstone, and he’s just launched his next collection, ‘Tough Tailoring’. This modish series takes its inspiration from the values of the traditional working class to complement his off-the-peg and made-to-measure offerings.
For this collection, Blake has created donkey jackets in cashmere leather and has used heavier fabrics such as winter tweeds and herringbone for his off-the-peg suit range. It’s accompanied by a stylish two-minute film, set within ‘The Engineerium’, an engineering and steam power museum in Hove, West Sussex. The film introduces models dressed in Gresham Blake working up a sweat by shoveling coal. The action gets altogether steamier as male and female models remove their clothing. The two-minute glimpse into this erotically charged, cinematic world is the work of Steve Glazier for Plastic Pictures.
For Gresham, the undisputed star of the film is the engineerium itself. He explains, ‘I wanted to mix old details with modern pieces so this was the ultimate juxtaposition. As for setting the film in ‘The Engineerium’, I am obsessed with craftsmanship, longevity things that were built to last. I love the way that steam engines were functional and but well designed. If you look at the boiler door, even that is embellished with fine details.’
While the steam age was one of history’s most significant revolutions, Blake notes how technology has impacted on advertising, design and visual culture. He says, ‘Steam was as important to the Victorians as technology is to us today. When it comes to interactive technologies, I am a receptive audience and I wanted to put myself at the forefront at the moving image revolution, which is the future of fashion and luxury communication.’
Whether you’re a receptive Steampunker in the making or just intrigued by what promises to be one of this year’s most striking developments, there’s no denying that the talented Mr Blake is continuing to push boundaries and create new worlds of fashionable attainment.
Find out more at www.greshamblake.com
