Many fashion designers will begin researching for a collection by looking at the past; vintage magazines, old fashion shows, etc... Jimmy Howe prefers to take inspiration from the present, and the people he sees every day, specifically, the commuters running late for work. The man with his blazer tucked into his trousers and his tie undone. The man who is stressed in his day to day life, just so he can maintain his finances. The same man who isn’t at all interested in fashion. Although, Jimmy’s designs would make you think otherwise.

How would you describe Howe Views to someone who is unfamiliar with the brand?
I wouldn’t describe Howe Views as a brand, nor would I describe Jimmy Howe as a label. Whenever anything is created, it is the artists’ opinion or view on a scenario (or perhaps lack of opinion). This is clearer when we listen to music as it is verbally laid out, however, when it comes to fashion, it is a bit less obvious. When I start on a collection or piece, they are formed on my reaction to situations, or again maybe a lack of reaction. Because of this, the term “brand” is far too negligent. What I make is simply my view on what I see, or want to see. And, what’s amazing about fashion is people can agree with this by putting garments on. Climbing into someone’s opinion and seeing how it feels. Wearing it out, in agreement. Or by putting it back on the rail in disagreement.

What is your creative process like, from coming up with initial ideas to executing the final garments?
I have never been one to scroll through old designer collections looking for inspiration. If you’re constantly looking at high fashion for ideas, I think you’re going to quickly find out that actuality, it’s a very neglectful area. The best source of research for me is people. Sitting on the tube, stuck in a cycle jam of their city. Politely pushing their way onto the rush-hour platform at Paddington. I’m constantly looking at “the man”, and this isn’t found in Vogue, it’s more likely found in Cycling Weekly, so why deny their place in fashion?

Looking at the man, as it turns out, is quite depressing. There is no space for masculine exhaustion. No larger sense of social engagement and competition. The attributes of male interaction are diminished to the four grey walls of the office booth and incentivised through meeting targets. Whist the slimy “top tier” of men are able to attempt to express their masculinity through extensive spending and gluttonous consumption because that’s what we’ve been taught is masculine. So, if my research indicates that men are being manipulated into neglected slimy tube hoppers, why make a beautiful, elegant collection. Because fashion isn’t beautiful, its grim. So why lie to people. I think it’s important to use your research to make amazing garments, not try to make amazing garments out of your research.

What in particular inspired you for your graduate collection?
The commuter. A portrait of the ideal modern man, running to make the bus or tucking in his socks as he joins the cycling highway of his metropolis. The businessman on the tube with half his shirt caught in his trousers, tied and cuffed ready for work. This current British and Global workaholic lifestyle is dictating our mental and physical health, and replacing emotional milestones in life with financial gain, and the office workers are being sacrificed for this.

Growing up I was always angry at the white-collar category of workers, I think it’s just what I’ve been taught. However, this moved into sympathy. The withdrawal of expression in men’s lives has been excused by, “well there isn’t much to express anyway”. But the blinding unsaturation within many men’s lives can be expressed differently and healthier. The commute stands as the one sport, or indoctrinated hobby that many men participate in, we should be encouraged to have fun with it. Looking back on it, I think I choose inspiration in areas that don’t interest me, that piss me off, as opposed to areas that excite me. Because then you’re just staying in your own viewpoint, you’re not expanding it.

Who would be your dream creative or brand to collaborate with?
I’ve always thought it would be great to work with Speedos. When you look at the two iconic silhouettes of people who wear speedos. One, being the god-like Olympians, with their near unobtainable figures and endurance. And the second, being the dad on the beach, embarrassing his kids or grandkids. But also, just not giving a shit because he thinks he looks great, and he will carry them off with a certain charm that only he could pull off. These two men are both the speedo wearers, and you wouldn’t expect to see speedos anywhere else other than on these two icons. I would love to be able to take these two attributes into outerwear for Speedos, and further develop the beach and leisurewear brand with these two icons in mind. I think it’s great that a brand can have such a distinctive personality, and I’d love to take that into further areas within menswear.