BLUP50
BLUP 50 TALENT FEATURE // MYLES BAILEY
Myles Bailey is a self-taught designer from Birmingham who combines hard work alongside working in architecture. We sat down with Myles and discovered his sci-fi inspirations and long creative process, which highlights his discipline and learning of the foundational skills necessary to execute a vision or idea. This eventually birthed Foxdale1651 in 2015, in which his distinctive designs have been worn by the likes of Big Sean.
As winter approaches, we take a look at Myles’ clothing line Foxdale 1651, founded alongside his brother. As an all round creative and a member of this year’s BLUP50 Creative Talent, we delved more into the depths of how fashion design influenced him growing up.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
Authentic.
How did you like first begin your journey into fashion design and how did your passion develop?
I’m self taught in fashion design so it just came out of necessity as you can’t always buy the pieces you want. When I started university, I didn’t have much time to focus on a brand. We started this brand [FOXDALE] in my second year of university. It just naturally turned into a business as people liked it and we always wanted to work for ourselves – it just felt natural to start selling pieces.
We [me and my brother] were always into fashion from young, 15, 16. It was a joint decision to just start making our own because we couldn’t buy it. From that, it just developed into learning more.
What’s your creative process like?
It varies. Sometimes I’ll get an idea in my sleep, I wake up, get to the studio and if I’ve got like a whole weekend or day, I’ll just sketch it and sample it there and then. For most pieces it always starts with a sketch. If I’m just sampling, I’ll just grab some fabric that I’ve got in the studio and just get making. There’s a lot of trial and error.
What’s like your go to song for 2022?
There’s two. Lil Uzi Vert – Glock in my Purse. Also, DJ Khaled, Drake and Baby – Staying Alive.
On your journey so far, what would you say is your proudest moment?
One of my favourite artists growing up was Big Sean and in 2018, I managed to get one of our vests to him. I’m cool with one of his boys from social media so that was like a childhood goal which was really cool.
If you could spend a day with anyone in your industry to pick their brains, who would it be and why?
Craig Green, a London designer mainly because of the way his pieces are constructed inspired a lot of my pieces – like from the construction side of it. He also does a lot of conceptual and sculptural work so I’d just like to see how his mind works and how he solves problems.
So in terms of fashion design what kind of problems do you intend to solve?
It depends on what kind of finishes I want for pieces. I don’t like having unnecessary stitch lines in terms of its construction. I like it to look like there’s nothing visible. So in order to do that, you’ve got to figure out how to construct them in a way where you get the desired outcome. So for technical pieces, it’s trying to figure out how it is all being put together.
But I know for me, I could never quit anyway as there’s so many things that I want to do.
MYLES BAILEY
If you could collaborate with any brand of your choice, which would it be and why?
Burberry – I like the heritage of the brand as well. Then again, it all comes down to the construction, I like the really well made pieces. I feel like I could bring something new and exciting to the company by bringing my aesthetic and different sci-fi inspired elements as well to create something interesting.
You mentioned sci-fi…how does that inspire your work? Do you watch a lot of sci-fi movies or books?
I always look at the costume design of the characters, whether it’s films or cartoons or animations. I take cues from the shapes and shoulder pads or chest plates and then that would inform the shapes that I use in my designs.
I think it [crossover between fashion and automotive] really works, especially when the designers aren’t just fashion designers – they’re multidisciplinary as well.
MYLES BAILEY
Outside of your fashion brand and even like your day job, is there anything else you enjoy doing?
I don’t really do much other than be in my studio, like, besides fabric shopping or even just window shopping, like going through town [Birmingham] or London or whatever, I tend to get inspo there.
I also like going to art galleries and exhibitions and you can get inspiration from things like prints, shapes and colour palettes. Since lockdown, I started going on nature walks with my mom as it just clears your head, and inspires me to come back and start creating.
What would you want to see more of in the fashion industry?
I feel like especially with brands that are starting out, I’d like to see more authenticity with what they’re putting out. A lot of people start off copying and imitating what they see, which is fine when you’re learning, but I just feel like people aren’t tapping into what they can really accomplish. Especially in menswear, there isn’t a lot of variety in it. I feel if people were just more organic with themselves, they would make what they really want to make, not just what people are buying.
Where do you see the future of the industry going? Is there anything you’re excited about?
One thing that I’ve seen that I think is really cool is like the crossover between fashion and the automotive industry, like Virgil [Abloh] at Mercedes, Daniel Arsham and Porsche. So I think that’s an interesting crossover because you wouldn’t expect it, but it works.
I think it really works, especially when the designers aren’t just like fashion designers – they’re multidisciplinary as well. They really bring something exciting into the field of motoring. That’s one thing I’d love to do myself as well at some point.
What’s the biggest struggle or challenge you’ve had to overcome in your journey?
Just having patience because the journey is long. I’ll have days where I want to quit like at least once a week or once every two weeks. But then you just have to take breaks when you can and then look back at what you’ve done and that then pushes you to go forward. But I know for me, I could never quit anyway as there’s so many things that I want to do.
What’s next for you this year and beyond?
I’ve got a few collaborative projects with people in the city. There’ll be more exhibitions that we’ll work on with pieces and prints. There’s an independent store that’s been around for a couple years now in Birmingham that we’ve recently been stocked in and have a small quantity of the new collection – we’re also planning to have an event for that in the new year.
We are really inspired by Myles’ journey and we can’t wait to see what lies in store for Foxdale1651. It’s definitely one to watch – given the sheer passion and drive behind the brand.
FOLLOW FOXDALE1651:
Instagram: @foxdale1651
Site – www.foxdale1651.com
Follow Myles – @trenchcoatkiller
Co-Founder of For Sure Studio Ben Paul joins us this week for our next BLUP50 talent feature. In Ben’s own words, “…’what if’ should be excluded from your internal vocabulary. The only thing that holds you back is yourself.” Last year, in one of the most unpredictable, unsettling times of our lives, Ben squashed his own ‘what if’ and decided to set up his own creative studio. Read on to find out who Ben’s greatest inspiration is and what his future vision for For Sure is.
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Momentum
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM /TIKTOK / TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
@reubendangoor’s work always does it for me. @thisiscollins are one of my favorite agencies, their attention to detail is something I always aspire to.
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
Graduated with a degree in design back in 2009. Went perm then freelance, until setting up on my own in 2015. March 2020 myself and my friend Matt (who had a similar passion for research led design), decided two heads were better than one. For Sure was born and we’ve not looked back since.
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
I try to segment my day off as much as possible to help me focus on the task in hand. Only having meetings at specific times of the day really helps focus the creative time spent on developing ideas.
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
Usually I would offset a hectic day with sport, it helps me refocus for the following day. Love a good playlist too!
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
The day left my full-time job. Not because of the job, but more of the fact that it was the springboard for me to think completely freely and build a route to starting For Sure Studio. I certainly went the long-way round but we’re here now and I’m very grateful of the lessons I’ve learnt on the journey so far.
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
Expanding the studio, finding our niche in the market and exploring that further. Hiring some amazing talent whilst cultivating a working environment I would be proud of and so would our staff. Away from work I hope that I’m still able to grace the football pitch well into my forties. And spend some time creating away from a screen, with a few paint brushes instead.
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
Kendrick Lemar. It would be a dream of mine to work with him on some tour creative, after having witnessed the DAMN tour live. He has such clarity in his vision, he’s able to refine and present his message in a way I’ve not seen before.
// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
I guess mines an inspiring moment. Michael Jordan’s flu game, could barely stand up, yet he went onto score 38 points when his team needed him the most. I’ll always remember that game he’s the GOAT of all sports for me.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
That you’ve built a company that will be here long after I’m gone.
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
‘What if’ should be excluded from your internal vocabulary. The only thing that holds you back is yourself.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Checking in with all my friends and family, keeping a good balance in life as things open up again. Working with the local community to bring in some top talent to For Sure Studio.
// ANYTHING ELSE TO SHARE?
Just a big shout out to Dines and Studio Blup for all of the guidance and support. It really means a lot. Big love. BP x
FOLLOW BEN:
Swoosh recruits Kelly Anna London as A.I.R.
When it comes to Nike’s extensive line of running sneakers, the brand often invites artists to lend their creative visions. For its ongoing Artist In Residence (A.I.R.) series, the Swoosh recruits Kelly Anna London to take on one of its newest silhouettes—the Nike Pegasus 38.
Recognized for her powerful, silhouetted figures that are often connected to sports and body positivity, London indulges the performance trainer’s black mesh uppers in colorful, haphazard shapes and figures that seem to be a modern twist on Henri Matisse’s work. The hues used in her patterns are also applied elsewhere, such as the pastel green used on the lateral side’s oversized Swoosh outline and the laces. Additionally, a royal blue colors the lace loops and the inside. A midsole with a design that’s just as busy as the uppers’ rounds out the look, as the React foam and Zoom Air-cushioned unit features black paint splatters on a white base.
Release date to be announced.
Speaking to our latest BLUP50 member Chikay was a real eye opener. Chikay hasn’t just ‘fallen’ into where she is now as Head of Global Growth & Marketing Partnerships at Cult Beauty – one of the biggest digital beauty brands globally. In fact having moved form Leeds straight after Uni to trying a number of jobs to get a foot in the door and finance her London living – Chikay’s is the epitome of GRIT! In a recent instagram post, Chikay also opened up and shared her experience of Asian Hate Crime which definitely shed new light on how serious a matter it is. Read on to find out more about Chikay’s journey to success.
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Kindness
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM /TIKTOK / TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
I try to follow a big range of accounts – those that promote positive news, memes obviously but also accounts that provide education on international issues that mainstream press deem not worthy to report on and it is usually these that stop me in my tracks.
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
Sep 2011 – Moved to London after graduating for an unpaid internship for a marketing agency and quickly realised that there was no long-term career prospect for me there when my daily tasks were primarily made up of changing the bins and emptying the dishwasher.
2 weeks later – Quit the internship and walked into the first shop I would think of (Selfridges on Oxford Street) and managed to get a job on the spot as a sales assistant to finance my stay in London to look for more long-term roles.
2012 – Sales negotiator at Foxtons for 7 months
Aug 2012 – This is when my career in digital marketing began, I was offered a role in an online drinks start up business 31DOVER by David Laurie, the then CEO who I had met whilst working on the shop floor in Selfridges. Working at Selfridges was a tough time for me with no friends around (I was the first to move to London) and at work staff were treated horrendously by both management and customers. BUT I wouldn’t change this experience for the world, I would not be doing what I do now had I not been there and met David.
Oct 2013 – Search Engine Marketing at NET-A-PORTER
Feb 2015 – For the past 6 years I’ve been at Cult Beauty where I currently look over the global growth and partnerships strategy of the business!
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
On a normal weekday I wake up bleary eyed and reluctantly put on my workout kit to exercise on my spin bike before the day starts. Then coffee and a big breakfast is next on the agenda whilst I check my emails and prep for the meetings of the day, I average around 5 zoom calls a day so it’s a constant balancing act of meetings/getting back to emails/supporting my team whilst also trying to tick off my never ending to do list.
Myself and my sister are also in the processing of buying a property so evenings now are primarily made up of reviewing contracts/paperwork whilst watching cartoons (Rick and Morty/Bob’s Burgers is my poison)
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
This is going to sound bizarre but it’s got to be spinning for me. When I go on my bike, I completely zone out I don’t think about my to do lists or worry and my focus is pushing myself to my absolute fullest. It’s honestly like therapy for me but cheaper!
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
I am incredibly lucky to have quite a few awards and accolades under my belt BUT watching the progression of my team must be my proudest achievement to date. I have an unbelievably talented team of bright hard working talent who have also won awards for their achievements. To see that gives me more joy than anything else in my career.
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
The last year has taught me to not plan too far ahead in the future as anything can happen. I’d like to step into my future with an open mind, as long as I am happy and healthy with my friends and family around. (I would really like a doggo though – very specifically a Shiba Inu haha)
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
Ben and Jerry’s – without a doubt. I admire this brand so much for their unapologetic advocation to support progressive and polarising issues that need to be addressed.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
I find a lot of enjoyment in helping others develop their skills, if I’ve made a difference to someone’s career (be it from a progression standpoint or there to support them during difficult times) that would give me so much joy.
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
I wouldn’t consider myself a creative in the traditional sense, a lot of my work actually revolves around data analysis and strategy however creativity is key to thinking differently and innovating within the space. Find your passion, what you are good at and constantly push yourself to try new ideas, there will be setbacks and mistakes along the way but find opportunities in these to learn.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
I feel incredibly passionate about equality/racial justice/human rights – I think it is important to hold businesses and individuals accountable and responsible to action huge improvements that’s necessary in these areas.
// ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MENTION?
The #stopasianhate movement is very close to my heart, for anyone who is interested to learn more about my personal experiences and ways to help I do talk about this subject regularly on my Instagram
FOLLOW CHIKAY
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