Local artist, Pete McKee, has been commissioned to design a limited edition pair of desert boots for Clarks.
Lifestyle caught up with the renowned painter and cartoonist to chat about his motivation for making the transition into fashion.
Why did you decide to collaborate with Clarks and create the boots?
It seemed like a fun idea. As most of my work is influenced by fashion it’s great to know that I’ve had a chance to influence a bit of fashion, although I imagine people will see the boots more as an art piece or collectible.
I imagine them being locked away in wardrobes across the nation and saving for prosperity.
Who do you imagine wearing them?
I would love to be walking on the sea front and see a couple of sorts walking by wearing my boots.
What was your inspiration?
I imagined the aura of Britain in the ’60s and Mod culture. The style of the Mod movement is universal and influenced my shoe design. I love the simplicity of their fashion trends, defined by the size of one’s turn ups and the number of buttons on a jacket.
Do you think that Mod style is still relevant to the contemporary Briton?
Mod style can be adapted to fit any occasion from weddings to brick laying and what ever your activity you can feel easy in the knowledge that you look good.
Without realising it people nowadays are dressing like Mods.
Many of the classic mod stylings have found their way into everyday casual wear on the highstreet.
The only thing different is the hair.
If you could make one change to modern British fashion culture, what would it be?
The problem we have today is that there isn’t any definition in fashion movements because we have too much information.
In the good old days, music and fashion movements went hand in hand and there was at least a 6-12 month period where people would walk around dressed like their idols until the next wave came on the scene, ska followed punk, followed new romantics followed casuals.
Now the teenagers are bombarded every minute of the day with much of a muchness.
Also, I would like to see fewer youths showing off their underpants and getting themselves into a decent pair of Levis or stay press trousers.
Pete’s desert boots are available from Clarks nationwide now.