September 18, 2020 |
It’s not every day an e-commerce giant as big as Farfetch completely revamps its brand identity. The global fashion e-tailer has switched up its whole image, including a new logo, website design and a fresh ‘Fuse’ monogram (exciting stuff, ey?) Farfetch is celebrating this season of change with Open Doors, a brand new campaign that champions togetherness, companionship and “transgressing borders through fashion & technology.”
Photographed by Harley Weir and styled by Lotta Volkova, the campaign brings together Farfetch’s global community, which features poet Sonny Hall, Broadway playwright Jeremy O. Harris and spoken word artist Wilson Oryema.
Open Doors also stars Kindness, a transgressive musician who is a true champion of collaboration. The multifaceted artist – who has worked with Solange, Dev Hynes and Robyn – uses their full-length records as a safe space for their community of musicians to flourish in their own unique ways. On 2019s Something Like A War – Kindness’s first album in five years – the likes of Cosima, Jazmine Sullivan and of course, Robyn, came together to produce 47 minutes of pure bliss, crafting a buttery blend of genres to create a project both consistent and celebratory.
To mark the release of Open Doors, we grabbed Kindness for a quick chat and asked them 10 questions about all sorts, really.
1. What does community mean to you?
“Queer and trans people of colour, and the fabulous women in my life. There are no men, I am blissfully unaware of their existence.”
2. If you could only wear one piece from your wardrobe for the rest of your life, which would it be?
“On a practical level, a high waisted jean as it will fall apart well, stand repair and can be washed. If we are all magically dirt and sweat-free, I will wear leather trousers and go topless.”
3. What’s one song that you know if you drop it in one of your DJ sets it’ll get the crowd dancing?
“Girl” by Destiny’s Child.”
4. If you could have any brand design your tour wardrobe, who would it be?
“Selam Fessahaye dressed me for the Robyn tour and I’ll never forget her talent or generosity! We stan a Beyoncé-dressing queen.”
5. What’s one record that came out this year that everyone should listen to?
“Brandy’s LP, because it’s Brandy!! (We also stan, and always have).”
6. What was your favourite memory from making Something Like A War?
“Maybe the day Jazmine Sullivan said yes? I was in NY and she was in Philadelphia so I sent flowers and baked goods (I’d noticed that she often posted about treats from local bakeries on Instagram). It’s hard to express how exciting that was as a fan.”
7. New York or London?
“London Stand UP tall!!! (I still love you New York but China Chalet & the subway are a dark stain on your record).”
8. If you had to play an alien only one song of yours, which would it be?
“I’d play them the video to “Who Do You Love” because mine and Robyn’s family and friends are in it, the love is palpable, and the song is about drinking and finding clarity in your hangover.”
9. What’s been your lockdown guilty pleasure?
“Putting butter in everything, making tarte tatin every evening. Natural wine.”
10. What’s one film everyone has to watch in their lifetime?
“Black Orpheus by Marcel Camus.”
Photography by Harley Weir, Styling Lotta Volkova.
