Friday 21 January 2011

Interview with Design Director Nick Holland and Global Sales Manager Dean West

Check out this great interview from showbiz.sky.com with two of Pretty Greens top people Nick Holland (Design Director) and Dean West (Global Sales Manager).

How would you sum up the Pretty Green brand? 
DEAN: It's Liam Gallagher's contemporary British heritage brand which takes its influences directly from streetwear culture from the past.

 How well do think it reflects Liam's personal style? 
DEAN: It's very much his signature. It's got his DNA written all over it you can see him wearing absolutely every piece. The black label is much more at the pointy end of fashion and that reflects Liam at his most fashionable, and green label is very much him looking casual. There isn't a piece in the collection that he wouldn't wear himself. 
NICK: What is great about Pretty Green is that it regularly references Liam’s iconic style without being controlled by it. The 1960s mod scene is a huge influence for the Green Label. The Black Label takes this look and translates it into a highly tailored product which is contemporary with a foot in the past but also in the present day. The Pretty Green customer likes to dress sharp, stylish and is not influenced by fashion trends, preferring classic, strong styles and high quality fabrics.


 How involved is Liam in the design process?
NICK: Liam is involved in every stage of the process when it comes to the designing both the Green and Black Label Collections. It's a simple yes or no. It's in or it's out, if it's right it's in, if it's not it's out. You know exactly where you stand - Liam knows exactly what he wants and is very particular about what is put in the final collections - down to the minutest detail… Liam has a great eye for what will work and what will not.


 What is Liam like to work with?
NICK: Liam is a pleasure to work with. He is punctual, funny and extremely passionate about Pretty Green, and is very decisive in what he wants from the end product, which helps greatly and saves time and money. We are starting to look into clothes for the film he is doing, The Longest Cocktail Party, which Pretty Green are providing the styling for. Liam knows what's right and wrong and the team of researchers we have onboard should make it a great project for Pretty Green to be involved with.


What's the secret of Pretty Green's success? 

NICK: We aren't endorsed by a celebrity, Liam owns the company as the major shareholder so there is a difference, I believe. I also strongly believe it's down to a fantastic team involved with Pretty Green who are without doubt experts in their fields and highly driven to succeed which is critical to succeed.
DEAN: We've captured the hearts and minds of the nation and the boys in this country. Everywhere that sells it is flying it out. People are asking for it all the time. I think it just encapsulated the whole of that look that the British lads like to wear. 

What's next for the brand?
NICK: This year we opened pop-up stores in Carnaby Street, Manchester and Glasgow and I know we are looking to expand into other cities in 2011. My department is Design, there is a whole team who strategise about where we are going next, but I do anticipate 2011/2012 being exciting times in Pretty Green.
DEAN:We've got a footwear collection coming out early 2011, we've got shades coming out and we've got more accessories coming.

Wednesday 19 January 2011

NME Magazine report Paul Weller may design for Pretty Green

Paul Weller may be designing clothes for Liam Gallagher's Pretty Green fashion label, reports NME.com.

The former Jam member told BBC radio that, along with collaborating on Gallagher's fashion line, he would also like to start one of his own.

"It's still early days really, trying to do a tie up with Pretty Green," he said. "Hopefully it's going to come off, I can't say for definite yet."

As Weller mentioned plans for his own line, he said, "It's just what I like and what I would like to have in my wardrobe really, it's purely selfish."

Gallagher is gearing up for his new band Beady Eye to release their debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding in February.

Monday 17 January 2011

Glasgow is mad fer'it as Liam Gallagher rolls into town

Liam Gallagher was pleased to be back in Glasgow, a city he has fond memories of, as his old band Oasis was discovered in Glasgow pub King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. He had returned north of the border to open a new clothing store Pretty Green.

He said: “It’s good to be back in Glasgow. We got signed here, that’s where it all began for us.”

The store is the first of its kind in Scotland and like it's sister stores in London and Manchester it sells only Liam’s Pretty Green clothing range. The store which is on Ingram Street has proven popular with customers since its opening in December 2010.



When asked why he opened a store in Scotland Liam said: “Why not? I like Scotland in general, people like the same things football, music, they like a little drink or two. So why not?”

The line is designed by Liam and respected menswear designer Nick Holland. The name Pretty Green comes from a Jam song written by influential singer Paul Weller. The range itself is inspired greatly by 60’s culture and the mod movement of that era. 

Liam said: “[The clothing line is] 60s, mod influenced. It’s smart but not fairy smart, it’s worn in smart. Me and Nick Holland design it, he comes round my house and we sit there and go through the wardrobe and see what’s had its time. We design in that kind of style.”

More than 100 fans turned out to see Liam at his new store where he chatted and signed autographs for them. Liam was quick to point out his clothing line is for everyone and that he will keep going as long as people want to wear his designs.

He said: “If people don’t like it we close it and move on, if people like it we stay here. I’m not gonna ram it down people’s throats, if people like it we’ll carry on.”

Liam started a new band Beady Eye with his ex-Oasis band mates, they have been working on a new album called Different Gear, Still Speeding and have an upcoming tour. The tour starts with two nights in Glasgow at The Barrowlands.

Liam said: “The album is done, all the videos are done and we start rehearsing next week for a month. I am excited about it it’s nice to get back in the ring, that’s where I belong singing songs. The gigs are on sale, we start at The Barrowlands, we’re excited, we’re loud and it’s rocking”

Liam doesn’t think the fans have too much to worry about with the style of music they have been playing he doesn’t think it is that different from what they created with Oasis. There are obviously some changes but Liam is really happy with what Beady Eye has become.

He said: “I don’t think it’s that different. It’s a little bit different but I wouldn’t say it’s that different. I’m still singing the way I sing, the band are still playing guitars the way they do. We’re still having it”.

It’s for the fans to decide though in Liam’s opinion, he pointed out: “It’s not for me it’s for other people to say if it’s different or not. It feels different obviously because Noel is not there but it doesn’t feel that different to me when the microphone is in front of me I’m ready to go.”

When asked if brother Noel wears his clothes he joked “probably”. He and his brother are not in touch at the moment, he said: “I’ve not spoken to him but I’m sure he’s happy in his little world. He does his thing and I do mine.”

Friday 14 January 2011

Pretty Green Club Night


Pretty Green Presents Gary Crowley interviewing Eddie Piller at the Pretty Green Club Night on the 26th November 2010 at The Garage, London.
Eddie Piller started his career in the 1980's as a DJ and concert promoter amongst the English mod revival. Eddie went on to success with his own record label and continues to be influential as a live DJ on the radio and public appearances.
Gary explores Eddies career as a DJ ...
Explore more Pretty Green...
(Sourced from: http://www.prettygreen.com/news/)