Given that there’s a 70s-style revival in full swing, it’s no surprise that corduroy is back in fashion. In autumnal shades and retro-inspired cuts, this new-look cord couldn’t be further from your Geography teacher’s wardrobe.
Truth be told, we may all be slightly guilty of geek-association when it comes to cord. It was one of those fabrics forced on us as kids and while we may have sworn to NEVER wear it again, that promise is suddenly becoming hard to keep, as corduroy trends hard for AW21.
THE NEW LOOK CORD
What was once regarded as a ‘poor man’s velvet’ is now simply the new velvet and while corduroy dates as far back as Ancient Egypt, the woven material that we recognise today is from 19th century England, where its hard-working composition made it ideal factory-wear as well as part of military uniforms.
CUT IT IN CORDS
Although its popularity since has waxed and waned, over the years, corduroy has never entirely fallen out of favour as a menswear staple. And more so this time of year as it chimes perfectly with conker-brown and mustard hues as well as complimenting a classic navy blue. Team cord chinos with a Sherpa check jacket, layered with a classic hoodie for the perfect retro-modern balance.
CULT STATUS CLOTH
Wearing cords means you’re in good company. Worn in the 1970s as a symbol of both working-class identity and political radicalism, it was favoured by musicians, artists and directors like Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, Pablo Picasso and Wes Anderson and then in the 90s Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker made it famous once more, albeit ironically, in his anti-cool corduroy suit.
LEARN YOUR CORDS
The ridges known as wales now define the look of corduroy and are created by weaving layers of threads into a base fabric, followed by various gluing, cutting and brushing treatments. Wales are measured in ridges per inch; the higher the wale, the finer the cord, with pin cord being considered the finest and elephant cord the thickest. But hey, let’s not get too geeky, right?
For Corduroy and more visit www.originalpenguin.co.uk
Early autumn means two things; heating-wars will soon commence as will waking up our knitwear from its summer snooze! To help with the latter only (soz!) we’ve got some top knit care tips, as well as what’s new for AW21.
The more we wear our jumpers, the more TLC they’ll need to stay the same shape, size and of course, clean! But decoding the care instructions on a label is no mean feat, so to help, we’ve put together this helpful guide…
HOW TO WASH
Avoid your favourite jumper from shrinking by either hand washing it or using the wool cycle on your washing machine. Invest in a wool detergent (it’s much milder or try baby shampoo) and never use the tumble dryer (it’ll shrink) or hang it up using pegs (it’ll grow into the weirdest shape). Instead, leave to air-dry flat and gently reshape.
HOW TO STORE
It’s best to fold your knits so they don’t stretch on hangers and when in storage (especially for wool items) we recommend using zip-lock bags to protect them from moths. And if you’ve spotted a few dreaded bobbles, carefully comb the fibres with a special de-bobble comb and you’ll restore your knit to new.
WE LOVE LAMBSWOOL
Each type of wool has diverse properties that makes them the perfect accompaniment for many different occasions. Wool outperforms any other fabrics when it comes to moisture- wicking, warmth and odor-fighting capabilities. And YES, you can even compost your wool garment so it’s better for the environment too. Plus, here at Original Penguin our lambswool is mulesing-free, so cruelty-free, also
SUPIMA COTTON
Products made with Supima® cotton result in a sustainable, premium product
that’s durable so will last season upon season, plus it’s cultivated with as little
impact on the environment as possible. Its softness is enhanced through wear
and is unique to other cottons with its extra-long staple fibre which gives it its
premium properties: strength, softness and vivid color retention. Perfect for
our classic colour-popping sweaters, new this season.
For all our knitwear head to www.originalpenguin.co.uk
Following on from the first episode of our #UnderTheSurface podcast with Andros Townsend, we welcomed former Arsenal and England international midfielder Jack Wilshere for episode two as together with the suicide prevention and mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably we aim to bring people together and drive conversations to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health.
Jack joined #UnderTheSurface hosts Sport’s presenter Adam ‘Smithy’ Smith and ex-footballer and CALM ambassador Marvin Sordell as he opened up on his own mental health both on and off the pitch.
The former England international spoke bravely about his battle with his own depressive thoughts at the prospect of his career being over, and the incredible difficulty in explaining to his son that he still doesn't have a club and that no-one wants him. The free-agent, who admitted that he is still awaiting receipt of any official offers, spoke about the battle he faces due to the perception of him being injury prone, and the frustration that comes with paying the price for his previous injuries earlier in his career.
You can watch the full length podcast on our website HERE.
In addition to the podcast, the partnership we have also has also launched our own dedicated online Mental Health HUB, which provides help and advice on an array of mental health issues that CALM can support with.
This Autumn Winter Original Penguin takes a tongue-in-cheek look back at 70′s masculinity through the lens of their iconic heritage sportswear.
The collection takes inspiration from cult classic films The Graduate and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, blending Casino lounge and 70′s prep aesthetic to create a modern take on Fall 21.
Original Penguin presents updates to 70′s floral prints, ditsy jacquards, retro knit stripes and textures such as corduroy and brushed flannel as well as shearling lined outerwear for the colder months.
The colour palette of the season consists of washed medium blues, pops of 70′s bold yellow, subtle hints of orange, soil brown and dessert sun before moving into shades of burgundy such as rhubarb and tawny port for the holiday season, sitting alongside core blues with ease.
Hero products for the season are the Retro Bowling Shirt , Over the head Colour Block Cagoule and the Sherpa Lined Corduroy Jacket mixed in with Retro Polo’s and Stripe Tee’s
This season Original Penguin is sure to have you looking Ace and feeling like a King (of hearts, diamonds, clubs or spades)
Original Penguin celebrates Pride with a colourful capsule collection with comedian Matteo Lane returning as the face of the campaign.
Original Penguin continues to support All Out, a global movement fighting for a world where no one has to sacrifice their family, freedom, safety, or dignity because of who they are or who they love. When a moment of crisis or opportunity comes up – like an anti-gay law going to a vote or a crackdown on a Pride march – All Out works closely with partners to come up with inspiring ways for our members to take action.
This year all proceeds from the Pride Flag Graphic T-Shirt will be going to All Out.
The capsule incorporates the colours of the rainbow through novelty stripes, colour-blocking and taping for you to show off your true colours and stand up for love.
ORIGINAL PENGUIN X CAMPAIGN AGAINST LIVING MISERABLY
We all have our own story to tell and you never know what is going on in someone's life #UnderTheSurface. That’s why we’ve teamed up with suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to create a podcast series that brings people together from the world of sport and entertainment to uncover their untold stories and drive conversations to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health.
The podcast series will see host Sky Sports presenter Adam Smith and co-host and CALM ambassador Marvin Sordell as they take a candid look at the highs and lows of of some of the UK’s biggest sporting names.
For our first episode we welcome Crystal Palace player Andros Townsend, who speaks openly about his battle with gambling addiction, bereavement and the impact of leaving his boyhood club, Tottenham Hotspur.
To watch the full video podcast head over to our Hub, where you can also find mental health tips and advice on the topics covered in each podcast with links to CALM for further support.
To listen to the podcast search ‘Under The Surface’ on all major podcast platforms.
While the reality of this summer might result in soggy BBQs and slipping in your sliders rather than the tropical temperatures we basked in last year, what we can guarantee is to raise a rain-soaked [insert drink of choice here] and get set to celebrate a super summer of football!
Kicking off proceedings, in the true spirit of the beautiful game, Original Penguin have launched their collection of celebratory T-shirts – perfect for any football fan wanting to wear their loyalty - loud and proud!
NOT SURE WHO TO CHAMPION?
For those who struggle to pick a team; be it the flair of the current champs, France or the precision of Switzerland or perhaps you think a well-overdue win for Belgium might be on the cards, with our ‘ALL TEAMS TOGETHER’ T-shirt – available in classic grey or navy – we reckon you’re onto a win-win situation.
SUPPORT YOUR TEAM
Be it years of unfailing loyalty or that all important office sweepstake bet, if you’re locking in your support to a certain team, we’ve got your back! And, so does Pete the Penguin, too!
ENGLAND
ITALY
SPAIN
POLAND
There is also Germany and Belgium to shop all available on the website now.
It is time! It is here! Hassle-free shopping for your holiday wardrobe has never been easier. While the actual logistics of travelling might (understandably) be more complicated, Original Penguin have your fuss-free, holiday fashion essentials, all sorted!
Whether you’re planning a staycation, a city break or hoping to venture a little bit further overseas; kitting out your wardrobe in pieces that scream summer and celebrate all the holiday vibes is what it’s all about, right? If you’re feeling a little bit out of practice, here’s how to up your Holiday Shop game…
Brighten up your basics
Refresh summer basics, like shorts and T-shirts with new colour-pops to instantly upgrade your wardrobe status to Holiday. From bold red ochre to copem blue and this summer’s seriously popular shade of pink in dusty rose (don’t overthink it, just go for it!) mix bold colours with classic shades of white, navy and khaki and you’re already halfway there! No passport required!
Power up your prints
It couldn’t possibly be a Holiday Shop without some serious party prints, right?! From button-up shirts to swimming shorts - summertime is synonymous with that palm-paradise, tropical floral print, so we say knock yourself out! The louder the better! And co-ordinating your prints is also a thing, too. Now you know…
Dress up for Alfresco evenings
Be it a BBQ in a beer garden or Barcelona (if yer lucky!) dressing up for those outdoor evenings warrants a decent button-shirt and shorts (also chinos or jeans) in a print that would look out of place in winter but on those balmy summer nights, will make a stylish statement.
Layer up, whatever the weather
Of course, one thing is not guaranteed and that is of course, the weather. So, don’t forget to layer up – lightweight, long sleeve pieces are preferable and practical, no one needs to be lugging a huge duvet-coat around – this is summer after all and what’s a huge downpour amongst friends, anyway, eh?
You have your bamboo toothbrush in the bathroom, take your own reusable coffee cup to every Starbucks, and try to walk more. We get it, living a sustainable lifestyle can be tough, especially if you still want to do more. Well, why not take a look at what you’re wearing?
Even if you’re buying less, buying better and shopping vintage, how you look after your clothes can have a huge impact on the environment. So, here’s how to take care of your threads in a much more planet-friendly way.
Wash like a pro
We’re all guilty of chucking our outfit in a crumpled heap on “the chair” at the end of a long workday, but looking after your clothes starts right here. Let’s talk about the chore we all dread a little: laundry.
Be more efficient
Does that jacket really need a wash or could you get another wear out of it? Think twice before chucking your clothes in the laundry basket. If it’s not visibly dirty and just needs a freshen up, hang it outside in the fresh air for a while or take it into the bathroom while you shower and let the steam work its magic.
When it is time to put a wash on, make sure there’s enough to justify it. The machine should be at least three quarters full, but don’t overload. It’s a balance.
Go low
It’s important to always follow the instruction labels on your clothes, but try to wash clothes at lower temperatures whenever you can. Washing at 30 degrees helps to reduce your emissions, and it can protect your clothes by preventing shrinkage. The exceptions to this are anything that could harbour the most germs, like underwear, towels and bedding - these need a higher temperature when washing.
Dry better
How easy is it to just throw your clothes in the dryer and have them ready for you an hour later? But it’s not so easy on the environment - it uses a lot of energy for one cycle - and can do some real damage to your clothes.
So ditch the dryer (unless you really have to) and opt for air drying instead. Line dry when the weather’s on your side - and when the space allows - as this’ll really freshen your clothes up, and the sun can even help with stains and marks.
Cut back on dry cleaning
Raise your hand if you would avoid buying something that was ‘dry clean only’. We’re not surprised if you agree. Not only is there extra effort involved to take these few pieces to the dry cleaner - and then remember to collect them - but it’s also really bad for the environment, thanks to a chemical called perchloroethylene. It’s also really bad for your skin. A lot of items that say dry cleaning on the label can be washed on gentle and cold cycles, unless it has details that may snag in a washing machine. If you wear a lot of suits, it may be
worth investing in a handheld steamer to get those creases out yourself.
If dry cleaning really is your only option, search out environmentally friendly cleaners who use non-toxic products. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their methods before you hand over your best suit.
Don’t wash your denim
Yes, you read that right. Did you know it takes 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to produce a single pair of
jeans? So it would be great if they didn’t take up any more water than they already have. Your denim probably goes through a few wears without being washed anyway, but it’s actually better for both the environment and your jeans if they steer clear of your machine for as long as possible. Denim experts suggest that jeans are worn at least 10 times between washes, and that marks are taken care individually until then. To make your jeans last longer, avoid the dryer. We’ve already talked about this, but a tumble dryer breaks down the lint inside the denim. Line dry in the shade to prevent fading and avoid shrinkage.
Wash on cold or - if you fancy giving it a go - you could always freeze your jeans. Leaving your denim outside in subzero temperatures - or at least overnight - can help kill bacteria and keep them fresh. You might want to wait a little until you put them back on though.
Use eco friendly products
Are you guilty of picking up the first laundry detergent you see on the shelf? We’ve all done it. But, your standard detergents can actually contain substances that are based on fossil fuels, which we all know are bad for the environment. There are loads of eco-laundry products on the market now, like Smol, and Ecover and Method that use natural and plant-based ingredients, as
well as recycled or recyclable materials. Much better for your own carbon footprint in the long run.
Learn simple fixes
We’re not suggesting you commandeer your Nan’s sewing machine, but learning a few simple fixes can help your clothes last much longer, so you don’t need to buy replacements. Learn how to reattach a button that’s fallen off your shirt or polo shirt, or to fix a frayed hem on a tee. These items are probably as good as new, but so many people toss them in the bin for reasons that
could be sorted so easily. If you’re not willing to pick up a needle and thread, at least find a nearby tailor who can do these quick fixes for you.
No one’s going to fix climate change by hanging their tees on the washing line or skipping the dryer, but it all adds up. Start with one change and before you know it, your entire clothes-care routine just got a little greener.
The sun is out and the sky is blue. There’s the chink of beer bottles and a-sizzling on the BBQ, as you slowly turn your sausage into a block of solid charcoal, put it in a bun, hide it under some ketchup and try to pass it off as a hot dog. This May bank holiday may not be the ideal exhibition of your culinary skills, but it is at least a chance to show off your style talents. Because, although spring has definitely sprung, there’s a darkness around - the darkness of indigo.
At Original Penguin we’re adding some richness to the new season with Blue Hawaiian, our celebration of the blue stuff. The plant-based dye may have originally come from the East - it originated in India, hence ‘indigo’ - but we’re taking it way out west to a tropical island famed for its hula dancing, volcanoes, flower garlands and the invention of surf culture.
Naturally, we’ve taken those cues to heart and covered indigo Polo’s, Tee’s, Shirts and Shorts with some suitably bold prints - big cats and hibiscus flowers, palm trees both big and small, some subtle and tone and tone, others much, much louder. Think your classic Hawaiian shirt as reimagined by a denim-head. There are touches of tie-dye and batik, and an emphasis on a super soft, washed-through textures.
Truth be told, our indigo-meets-Honolulu looks really belong on Waikiki beach or the shores of Hanalei Bay. But someone told us that BBQs aren’t allowed on the sand - it’s as good an excuse as any - so we’re going to have to settle for your back garden. Still, thanks to Original Penguin, at least you can look much tastier than your burgers. After one of those you’ll need a stiff drink or five. So let us recommend a cocktail. It’s blue, of course, so looks like anti-freeze - but, trust us, it slips down very easily indeed.
Ingredients:
1oz light/white rum
1oz Blue Curacao
2oz pineapple juice
1oz cream of coconut
1 fresh pineapple wedge
2 pineapple leaves
2 Maraschino cherries
How to Mix It, and Mix It Good:
Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add enough ice to show above the surface of the liquid and shake it - like a Polaroid picture - for at least 20 seconds. Strain and pour into a chilled glass, filled with ice. Alternatively, if you’re around seven and still like it slushy-style, put the lot into a blender with a cup of ice and blitz until the cracking stops. That means either the ice has been sufficiently crunched or the motor on your blender has gone. To garnish, push cherries and wedge onto a cocktail stick, cut a slice into the wedge and use this to balance all the fruit on the rim of the glass. Slide the pineapple leaves down into the drink to sit up along the inside of the glass. Goggles are not a good look, but mind one of these doesn’t take your eye out.
Five Lightweight Jackets to see you through Spring
We know it’s a cliché, but there’s nothing quite as confusing as British weather. Look out the window; sunny skies and chilly winds often go hand-in-hand in spring. When you think about it, it’s not uncommon to see all four seasons in one day.
The answer? Layers. Your casual style is sorted, thanks to a lightweight jacket; easy to take on and off, and store in a bag when you’re out. Leaving the house in a T-shirt and jeans in spring just became possible, no matter what the weather’s up to. Now you know what you need, here’s how to style and wear lightweight jackets.
The all-occasion Quarter-Zip
An overlooked piece of knitwear, the quarter-zip fleece is a staple in every man’s wardrobe. And trust us when we say it can be worn across the board. Keep things casual with denim, or smarten up a touch by layering underneath an overcoat.
As far shades, stay muted with our dark sapphire quarter-zip if you’re heading into the office, or make a statement in our floral print quarter-zip; better suited for a weekend at home or away.
Keep it casual with a Hoodie
Name an item of clothing more comfy and easy-going than a hoodie. We’ll wait. Hoodies are ideal when the occasion calls for casual. Our classic Sticker Pete full zip hoodie pairs with pretty much everything. To style, layering is your best mate. Wear a plain tee and a pair of jeans or shorts - depending on the weather. Great for easy weekend and evening styling.
The out-and-about Ratner
Great for throwing on if you’re just heading out the door, our hooded ratner looks good and keeps you protected from the elements. Pair with comfy joggers and trainers for the perfect weekend look. If the weather’s really turned, layer a hoodie underneath and finish off with a beanie.
The ‘ready for adventure’ Windbreaker
Whether you’re hiking with your mates or wrapping up for the footy, our leopard windbreaker can protect against wind and drizzle (it’s water-resistant) without weighing you down. Layer up accordingly depending on the weather. How you style it depends on what you’re doing. If you’re spending the day outdoors, layer up with long sleeve checked shirts, T-shirts and tougher pants. For an easy weekend afternoon, opt for chinos or jeans instead. For kicks, stick with your trusty boots.
The track jacket for in-between seasons
A light track jacket is the perfect choice for when the weather can’t make its mind up. Our Earl Track Jacket will do the trick. Layer over a long-sleeve tee and pair with jeans in the early season, or over a short sleeve T-shirt or polo with trendy shorts in summer. If your jacket sports bright colours or patterns, pair with darker jeans and a white t-shirt for a strong contrast.
Golf players don’t play in some kind of formation. Nobody passes the ball to them. So there’s no reason why a golf player needs to be seen. And yet, since the 1950s, golfers have paid ever more attention to what they wear. The space between shots has become a catwalk.
Take Frank Sinatra - singer and golf fanatic. He played most often at the Palm Springs course where he racked up a $40,000 clubhouse tab on his favourite golf style. This included alpaca cardigans - in bright orange, which helped to kick-start the association between golf clothing and being really, really loud; and polo shirts, many of these being, yes, from Original Penguin.
But then it’s in golf that we find our beginnings. That was a result of the great insight of one Abbot Pederson, a salesman for Minneapolis-based underwear brand Munsingwear, who realised in 1955 that there was a market for shirts targeted specifically at golfers - comfortable enough to play in, smart enough to wear to the clubhouse after your round. He came up with our Pete the Penguin logo, which soon found itself on the chest of other celeb golfers including Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dean Martin, and later Clint Eastwood. Pro players embraced Original Penguin and ‘the 55’ shirt too, most notably Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, the daddy of golf style.
These days our Original Penguin Golf line is sported by the likes of our ambassador, Australian player Cameron Smith, who won the Australian PGA Championship back to back in 2017 and 2018, and was a runner up in last year’s Masters tournament, which is pretty good going for a 27-year-old, right?
But that just chimes with the fact that, far from being the retirement sport of stereotype, golf is not just the world’s fastest growing recreational sport, it’s image has also seen a huge shift towards youth, and even towards edginess. This, after all, is the preferred leisure activity of Samuel L. Jackson, Alice Cooper and the Beastie Boys.
OK, so Cameron isn’t just good at golf because he favours our sleek Track Jackets, Slim line Trousers, baseball caps or, of course, our famous Golfing Polo Shirt - all with a technical edge that allows for better breathability and ease of movement.
It’s not just that Original Penguin’s designs allow him to stand out despite the ever traditional official PGA rules insisting that all players dress ‘conservatively’. Cameron can actually sink those balls. If you want to put a bet on a future champion of golf’s most prestigious events, the likes of the US or the British Open, bet on him. But bet too on him doing it in a 55.
You can shop Cameron Smith’s Golf Style on our website. Available now.
Ah, the Breton t-shirt - that characteristically very French, traditional navy and white-striped style, beloved of sailors and onion sellers, worn, of course, avec a beret for the full Garlic look. Ask an historian and they will tell you that the number of stripes on a Breton t-shirt is said to mark the number of Napoleon’s victories. We bet you didn’t know that.
Ask someone who’s into optical illusions, mind, and they will tell you that just such a horizontal stripe, far from making you look wider, as many believe, will actually make you look slimmer. And a vertical stripe will make you look taller. We bet you didn’t know that either. OK, maybe you did…
Of course, most men just want the kind of stripe that makes them look cooler, and at Original Penguin we have plenty of those - stripes that go up and down, stripes that go left to right, even some that go right to left. We have narrow stripes - with a 50s American collegiate feel to them. We have bold, colour block stripes too that have more of an 80s Casual feel to them, or a mix of bold and narrow with our Engineered Stripes.
But how best to wear them? For one, don’t mix your stripes. One striped garment worn at a time is usually quite enough - but if you want to experiment, at least team up stripes of different widths. Don’t wear stripes with other patterns - checks or florals, for instance,
Two, a bit of colour matching works well - with a multi-striped Tee, wear your plain trousers such as our Slim Fit Chinos, or your hoodie, in the same shade as one of the stripes.
And third, remember that sometimes stripes can look best partially hidden away - as the base layer under a plain Original Penguin Hoodie or button-down shirt, worn undone. In fact, if you need to dress up a bit, a Breton worn under a tailored jacket makes for an easy smart-but-casual alternative to wearing a shirt.
Whichever way you wear them, make sure stripes are part of your wardrobe this spring/summer. Stripes are great - they’re the most accessible of all patterns in menswear. They’re graphic, but still subtle. You deserve some stripes.
This Spring we take you to a Hawaiian Paradise from the 1950′s as we focus on taking the classic designs from our mid-century heritage and apply a new and modern sensibility for the New Originals of today.
Blended with fresh pastel preppiness and surfer vibes of the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s - envision the cool vintage surf looks of the boys from the famed documentary Endless Summer and you’ll get the picture.
As we move into early Spring we focus on transitional cosiness with our iconic Fleece Sweats in seasonal colours of Dustry Rose and Deep Lichen Green in Hoodie and Crew Neck Sweatshirt styles.
It wouldn’t be summer without our bold fun prints and this summer we offer an easy take on jungle inspiration with Indigo Florals, Hawaiian hibiscus, ditsy Palm Tree prints and subtle Leopard print.
Cabana Style shirts offer a relaxed, smart but stand out that will take you from daytime to Barbeque to Summer nights, festivals and more.
Whatever your plans are this Summer keep it on the sunny side.
This season we focus on American Icons as our theme. Our classic Hoodie and Sweatshirt is inspired by Miami pastel tones of dusty pink, mint and sky blue. It’s a colour palette that fully embraces Original Penguin’s mid-century heritage, whilst beautifully complementing the soft jersey fabrics.
Flamingo’s are this seasons iconic print! Emblazoned onto a cabana shirt, tee’s and swimwear we present a Palm Spring’s flavoured twist on a classic.
As we move into Spring we explore and celebrate upbeat iconic American designs such as the bold classic Cola script font and Hawaiian all over floral print shirts. All these elements are blended in with the clean, colourful style of 1950′s Ivy League prep and sport.
High Summer nods to festival season kick off and swim lifestyle looks to bring the cool to hot summer days spent by the poolside. Ombre and Tie-Dye style effects add a fresh SoCal update to fleece and tee’s. The palette offers a fun 50′s /70′s colour story inspired by Venice Beach sunsets, washed yellow, coral red layered into watery blues.
The endless summer awaits.
#BeAnOriginal and shop the collection ---> ORIGINALPENGUIN.CO.UK
Our NEW ORIGINALS campaign that was launched by us to celebrate people who embody what it truly means to #BeAnOriginal. This month we see Jordan Stephens step up as the latest New Original, to join the set of unique and inspiring trailblazers, all talented, influential individuals who all share our love for originality.
Jordan Stephens is an actor, activist and artist of Rizzle Kicks fame, but most recently Jordan has been focusing his attention on changing the stigma surrounding mental health, where he fronts the organisation called I AM WHOLE which encourages young people to speak out, seek help and get support. As part of this New Original partnership Jordan has produced 50 limited edition Original Penguin x #IAMWHOLE t-shirts which will be used to support his efforts to spread a positive message about mental health.
Watch the short film below which shows Jordan screen printing the t-shirts, which all feature his handwritten poem on the back.
Hand-picked from the Original Penguin Spring 2020 collection, the t-shirts proudly display the iconic circle logo, which Jordan draws on his palm to promote the #IAMWHOLE movement onto the left sleeve. The word ‘WHOLE’ is wrapped around the front and reverse of the t-shirt, sitting alongside a hand written poem from Jordan where he suggest that its ‘normal to be weird’. The t-shirts are available in this seasons colours; Impatiens Pink, Deep Lake green and timeless Bright White.
As part of the partnership, #IAMWHOLE will be hosting an interactive panel discussion for the employees of Original Penguin under the theme of ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’, encouraging a dialogue and providing an environment where employees can listen and contribute.
Original Penguin will also sponsor an #IAMWHOLE podcast hosted by Jordan Stephens as well as some other special guests (soon to be announced via our Instagram) which will centre around workplace mental health topics and extend the conversation and expertise to a wider community. If you would like to win tickets for you and a friend to the Original Penguin x #IAMWHOLE Live Podcast recording and a limited edition t-shirt screen-printed by Jordan Stephens himself, please enter our competition here.
You can get Jordan’s Style with our Overhead Hoodies and Pin Point Tee’s
#IAMWHOLE is an award-winning mental health campaign, founded by Matt Campion and Jordan Stephens, in partnership with the NHS and YMCA, the world’s largest youth charity. Launched on World Mental Health Day 2016 with a music video and social campaign introducing our emotive symbol of a circle drawn on the palm of the hand, the campaign immediately went viral. It was endorsed by a number of global superstars including Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher and James Corden, reached an audience of over 120 million, and was even mentioned in Parliament.
As Fall approaches the Goodlife turns to the best years of your life as we go back to College for all things preppy and collegiate. Homecoming with its sense of reunion and occasion sets the tone for the season.
Ivy league style is reinvented into a clean modern prep look with clever twists on the classics. Playful regimental stripes are re-coloured and re-energised as we mix them with strong heritage athletic blocking and sports details. Conversational pieces are cheeky and understated. Old and new come together to create an original irreverent palette that is a refreshing mix of key varsity and modern classics.
In our first delivery of Fall we present a playful mix of heritage sport and classic American prep. Simple retro-sport details and classic bold stripes are mixed with a robust offering of seasonal core items in great colours.
Layering items is key as summer ends and Fall begins with lightweight outerwear, sweats and track jackets. As the weather cools we turn to padded outerwear, sweaters and sweats to keep warm. Collegiate rugby shirts are juxtaposed with classic Ivy League vertical stripes and bold 90’s colour blocking. Tawny Port and navy are refreshed with pops of yellow and green to create a true primary fall palette.
For the final delivery of the season we looked to our archives for inspiration. Simple athletic taping and bold yarn-dyed collared polos are refreshed and reinvented in the festive palette of red and green.
The collection and inspiration behind the pieces harks back to our original archives to get classic pieces back into rotation in this collection for the new season.
Moving on from previous and opening the door to the new.
#BeAnOriginal and shop the collection ⇢ originalpenguin.co.uk
