John Richmond is a British fashion designer known for his contributions to the fashion industry, particularly in the realm of rock ‘n’ roll-inspired designs.
Recently he came to Malaysia and I had the privilege to do an exclusive interview with John Richmond, the iconic fashion designer himself.
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John Richmond
IN THE BEGINNING…
John Richmond was born in Manchester, England, in 1960. He moved to London in 1978 to study fashion at Kingston University, graduating in 1982.
After graduation, Richmond launched his own label, “John Richmond,” in 1984. He quickly gained recognition for his edgy and rebellious designs, drawing inspiration from music and street culture.
DESIGN AESTHETIC & INFLUENCE
Richmond’s designs often incorporate elements of punk rock, Gothic, and streetwear. He has been known to blend luxury with a sense of rebellion.
From fashion point of view, his collections are characterized by their bold prints, leather jackets, and a general rock ‘n’ roll vibe. However, from an Image Consultant’s point of view, his design aesthetic are categorized as creative dramatic and creative casual.
Richmond has collaborated with various musicians and artists throughout his career. His designs have been worn by numerous celebrities, including Madonna, Mick Jagger, and David Bowie.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JOHN RICHMOND
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or a rock ‘n’ roll aficionado, this in-depth conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a true fashion pioneer.
Q1: As an Image Coach, I understand the power of a strong first impression. Could you describe the kind of 1st impression you envision for someone who wear John Richmond apparel?
JR: I’ve always believed that people who choose to wear John Richmond designs have a strong sense of confidence in their personal style and make their own fashion decisions. I love seeing how individuals interpret my clothes, rather than simply copying a look from the runway and wearing it head-to-toe. This approach reveals a lot about their personality. It’s important to wear the clothes, not let the clothes wear you.
Unfortunately, the market currently demands logos, which is an aspect I don’t particularly enjoy. To me, design is more than just plastering logos everywhere; it’s about thoughtful placement and usage. While design isn’t purely art—it’s commercial art—understanding how to balance creativity with market demands is crucial.
Q2: A lot of your design are based on the world of rock ‘n’ roll. If you had to recommend a John Richmond attire for an iconic concert experience, which concert would you choose for your brand to be showcased?
JR: My entire essence is rooted in music. During my formative years, I was deeply influenced by genres like glam rock and artists such as David Bowie. These musical movements were not just about the sound but also about attitude, fashion, and style. I was drawn to these movements, which is why I truly experienced fashion as an integral part of my life.
I’ve always been progressive when it comes to music, and today there are many interesting fusions of genres like jazz, rock, and hip-hop. From Los Angeles to the UK, there are numerous less famous but highly inspiring artists. The diversity in music brings a wide array of styles.
Hip-hop artists, for example, often have a unique and bold approach to fashion that isn’t constrained by traditional rules. Their styles reflect attitude and individuality, showcasing that fashion is an expression of who they are, not just about following trends.
Q3: From your collection, I see more sneakers and casual shoes. Will you be designing more dressy shoes for women?
JR: I’m excited about creating more unisex shoes, as I really enjoy designing footwear. Everything comes down to how you wear it. Even a simple pair of shoes can look stylish with the right mix and match.
I am now starting to expand my brand by designing furnitures as well.
Q4: Last but not least, why did you choose Malaysia to open your first store?
JR: Malaysia is a fantastic gateway to Southeast Asia. My original plan was to start in 2020, but the pandemic delayed those plans. Now, we’re back on track and ready to bring John Richmond’s fashion to Malaysia.
A CONTENT CREATOR AND IMAGE COACH TAKE ON JOHN RICHMOND’S FASHION
Since I am both a content creator and Image Coach, I’m standing from 2 different view to look at John Richmond’s fashion.
Content Creator: John Richmond’s fashion epitomizes a bold fusion of rock ‘n’ roll and high fashion, making it a goldmine for visually striking content. His edgy designs and iconic pieces offer limitless mix & match opportunities for creative storytelling and engaging visuals. They are easy to wear and create a very cool yet rebellious style.
Image Coach: From this point of view, his style is definitely creative and casual. Concert goers, yes! Corporate employees, a no-no. Well, he does have a selection of workwear which I think is really stylish, encouraging wearers to break free from traditional fashion rules, showcasing personal style and individuality.
Last but not least, we would like to thank John Richmond for his time, and the team for doing a fantastic work in organizing this welcoming party.
John Richmond remains an influential figure in the fashion world, known for his ability to merge fashion with music and subculture. His work has inspired a generation of designers and continues to be celebrated for its boldness and creativity.
