ROBI WALTERS

We have chosen Robi Walters, as our first artist to collaborate with because we see the similarities in his concept and philosophy to our own. We love how Robi uses discarded waste to create something beautiful…

We photographed Robi in his gallery in Soho, London wearing our B CUT SUIT and UNISEX PARKA in Print series 01 : Hing Kong Water Swirl / Blue.

What is the inspiration and drive behind your work?

I like to make handcrafted timeless artwork, which when I look at in in 10 or 50 years time, I will still get excited about it.

SO8 are fighting fast fashion and we have created a modular sustainable daily uniform created entirely from textile and plastic ocean waste.

The concept is that the wearer can be creative and build their own outfit; our 8 garments which form the SO8 system are transformable and updatable through modular design and add-on components.

Does the concept of a daily uniform appeal to you and why?

The daily uniform especially for work (Monday - Friday) is very important to me.

For about the last 7 years I wear one colour only for the whole year and paint it over the course of the year and then archive them.

I change my undergarments everyday but they are all the same colour and brand. This also helps me not to think about what I wear everyday and reduces what I buy.

This leaves me with a unique collection with a story related to my work.

What inspired you to use discarded materials within your work?

The original reason to use discarded material was subconscious. After many years and focused thought, I realised that it was a reflection of my early childhood, being separated from my family and wanting to be loved and be returned back to my family. I love making discard materials beautiful again so that it can be desired again and seen in a new way.

We are using our garments as a blank canvas for artists and environmental activists to express their passions.

Once we have launched, would you be interested in designing a special collaborative SO8 x Robi Walters print?

I’m always up for creating something special!