April 20, 2015 |
Meet Cottweiler, also known as Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty, dynamic menswear duo and the newest members of NEWGEN’s motley crew. They’ve just got sponsorship from the BFC’s scheme, thanks to which they will be showing their SS16 collection at LC:M in June. The pair met at university and, in something of a whirlwind collaboration, started working together very early on. “We helped each other through our studies, drawing on our different strengths and inspirations,” they told us, “Cottweiler was a natural progression for us once we graduated.” Their aesthetic, which they describe as a clean, contemporary uniform that is relevant to [their] social environment, comes from how they dress and what they aspired to be when they were younger – something drawn from their fantasy, as well as their reality. And their references are broad (to say the least). “Skinheads, prison culture, religious groups such as the Heaven’s Gate cult, boy racers and sportswear fetishists have all had big influence on our work,” they explain. “We are fascinated about how these groups create a sense of identity and belonging.” Elements of the latter, sportswear fetishists, were apparent in their last collection which showed at London Collections: Men, which contained neoprene, neck chains, tracksuits and trainers. All things that the scally-loving members of Trackies.com would love. But the designers aren’t a one-theme pony. “We are looking towards less aggressive stereotypes and finding interest in more organic-based aesthetics.” With a collaboration with FKA Twigs and now support from NewGen under their belt, Cottweiler’s future in fashion looks bright. Roll on, LC:M.
By Ted Stansfield
