oB X Nic Kane
These moving images are a the result of a collaboration between oB, UK based photographer + director Nic Kane and Got Soul Films. The creation of the self entitled ‘oB Wear’ feature film took place over a day in March 2020 at the stunning 42 Acres, Shoreditch, London through the efforts of a small team of wonderful creatives whose likeminded vision helped to bring the idea of a quietly playful fashion film to life.
Presented through the beautiful movements of George, Jordan Harris and Jule, you’ll see a selection of oB designs which have been constructed in my Bristol, UK studio using sustainably sourced British wool blends and cotton drills. With the changing seasons in mind, clothing styles such as the Ritual Dress and Enfold Trouser feature in materials that work particularly well during the spring and through the lead up to winter.
The project came to life as a spontaneous coming together before the restrictions of lockdown came into place across the UK which, on reflection, has made the memory of dancing and working together as one feel even more special. Through dance and movement, the film presents the freedom and adaptable nature of each handcrafted oB Wear garment, accompanied by an understated rhythmic melody from Sounds of Life which perfectly enhances the hypnotic sway demonstrated by the trio of dancers throughout. We played chamber music via NTS live radio throughout the day which really came to life as the sounds travelled through the archways and echoed through the winding staircase of the exquisite 42 Acres space, a serenely sombre former monastery that now acts as a conscious and sustainably minded environment within the city.
Beautiful beings dancing with the clothes, an interplay between the two.
I had moments where I was mesmerised in awe watching the movers dance in such a natural and expressive flow. I had always wanted to see my garments move on performing bodies. Beautiful beings dancing with the clothes, an interplay between the two. Of dressing, un-dressing, making use of the space and playing with the textures of the textiles, environment and body and I could not have imagined how wonderful it would be to see the garments in such a setting. The clothes really came to life through the beautiful movement work of dancers George Hampton Wale, Jordan Harris and Jule Cecilia who display an inspiring strength of inner play that resonates so much with my vision and hopes for oB. The natural lighting produced by the floor length windows and bursts of sunlight seen especially in the final shot brought another serene element that strengthened a ‘world away’ feeling from the bustling London high street just outside.
I chose a selection of some of my most recent indigo and charcoal hue designs such as the classic Ritual Dress in a soft drill canvas and the wide legged Enfold Trouser in soft British Wool paired with natural earth hues on socks, designed by Cornwall based A Woven Plane. I felt these garments really suited the vast high reaching rooms and wooden beans of the space, and it was a joy to see how each of the dancers incorporated the fastenings and shapes of each piece within their own performance. You’ll see how well the pattern cutting of each design has been captured as the dancers adapt and move around the fabric shapes. Demonstrating the idea of sustainable activewear in the everyday sense, of high functional garments that move with the many forms we make with our bodies throughout the day. I discussed this further with Sustainable Fashion Collective during an online panel meeting in April.
Setup by a Somerset based collective whose vision to create enlightened retreat and co-working spaces has resulted in an inner city meeting point that is perfect for meditation sessions, holistic events and informative talks discussing the environment, consciousness and politics.
We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to use the space and I feel its magic was perfectly captured by director Nic and DOP Sean, whose stunning scene setups and skilled camera works resulted in some moments bringing tears to my eyes!
oB Pieces: a three year old Ritual Dress all faded and worn in / the Enfold Trouser in yellow and green canvas / a new Embody Dress in black / the Day Tee in copper / the Men-An-Tol Coat in orange / the Enclose Trouser /Overlap Top in blue.
I’d like to say a special thankyou to everyone involved, including director Nic who was super organised, creative and attentive in her direction and Sean would move and sway with the dancers, catching their glances and subtle details of body and cloth moving together, in addition to George, Jordan and Jule who flowed so beautifully and really presented oB as I had envisioned.
Produced by Got Soul Films. Director: Nic Kane DOP: Sean Delahay First AC: Cordelia O'Driscoll Styling and garments: oB wear Editors: Cam Sander and Got Soul Films Colourist: Cam Sander Music: The Aliveness of Things Part 2 - Sounds of Life Dancers: George Hampton Wale, Jordan Harris, Jule Cecilia.
Special Thanks to 42 Acres Retreat