First came the mods, second came the skinheads and then Amy Winehouse arrived and added her own rebellious streak to the Fred Perry brand. Now with a new collection for spring/summer 11, it appears the controversial style icon is set for her return to the spotlight.
There have been whispers of a comeback album and tour, but whether Amy Winehouse is trawling the streets of Camden or lounging on a beach in Barbados, the singer has used part of her prolonged musical hiatus as an opportunity to collaborate once again with traditional British label Fred Perry. “Amy has always been a fan of the brand and worn the clothes”, explains Fred Perry’s Marketing Director, Richard Martin. “Her unique sense of individual, retro style translates well onto the brand’s classic product.” The result is an ultra-feminine, fifties-inspired collection that, due to the high success of the first range, has doubled in size. Whilst still including signature pieces such as slimmed down polo shirts with stand-up collars and downsized Harrington jackets, the range has also incorporated a number of unique, eye-catching items and accessories. A bold, attention-grabbing Hawaiian print, chosen by Amy herself, is prevalent throughout the range, and key items also include a cropped gingham playsuit, bright red hotpants and classic Capri-style trousers. Accessories complete the vixen ‘Amy’ style, with classic waist-cinching straw belts, printed silk scarves and colourful suede moccasins.
“We actually signed a four season deal with Amy as we wanted to give the collection the chance to develop and grow”, says Martin. The vibrant colour palette and retro feel is a unique twist on the Fred Perry brand and looks back to Amy’s glory days as an individual trendsetter rather than tabloid fodder. Back to black? Judging by the vibrancy of this collection, it would seem unlikely.
‘Fred Perry × Amy Winehouse’ is available online now.
