Cycling his fixie bike head first into a fast moving bus, Liam Hodges is the gap-toothed Westminster graduate who recently showcased his high impact debut menswear collection.
Dividing his time equally between assisting mate and mentor, uber designer, Carri ‘Cassette Playa’ Mundane, studying at Westminster University and hangin’ idly with his crew, Liam Hodges is very tall and very talented. Always clad in a trusty LL Bean tee, this London based lad is a dedicated follower of fashion, referencing Buffalo Boy trends channelled by his sartorial hero, i-D Consultant Fashion Director Simon Foxton, and the bare British attitude fronted by forefathers of photography Martin Parr and Ellis Scott in his collections. Liam has one giant plate of meat planted firmly in the past, appreciating the importance of originality whilst moving things forward with his own designs. Excited by the challenge that being young and unknown presents, he refuses to acknowledge the financial restrictions being an undergraduate in the material world of fashion imposes, instead capitalising on the importance of practicality within his aesthetic. British, masculine, tailored, strong and built for the streets, Liam’s collection is formed from six silhouettes which he believes make up the basics of a man’s wardrobe. Making it onto the pages of The Metro before he had even finished his final collection, Liam is a boy to keep an eye out for. i-D Online caught up with him when he was upright on his bike to chat about life and work.
What were the initial research processes which inspired the finished collection? Just hours spent in libraries, galleries and online, finding images and photographers that really illustrated what British society is for me. It all grew from an interest in how the opposite ends of the class system interact and relate to one another and how they try to show their masculinity.
How have you developed your signature style since you first began studying fashion? It’s completely morphed into a far more sophisticated and mature vision. I’ve been studying for four years now but I really feel like I started to find my personal style as I finished my second year and started a year of work placements which all contributed to what my work is now.
Who do you design for? MEN who aren’t afraid of the future.
Who or what are your major style influences? British culture, old and new, mainstream and sub-cultures that are ever evolving, music is always a huge part of my work.
What other emerging young designers do you cite as the talent for the next generation? Alex Mattsson is definitely one to watch. He puts a real craft into his clothes.
So now it’s over, how you feeling? There is a strange sense of relief, but also a really intense excitement for me, with everything that is going to come next!
Images Chris Moore
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