Introducing: Alex Mullins
Blazing a trail in the menswear market with a paint-box palette of primary brights and a slew of eclectic headdresses, ALEX MULLINS is exploding the myth that menswear is just a four-button cardigan and a pair of camel chinos. With cartoon proportions inspired by superhero characters and kaleidoscopic designs depicting Hunter S Thompson on acid, suffice to say that his stuff isn't for the faint hearted. But if you're looking for the perfect curly-chest vest or a brilliantly elaborate inflatable puffer jacket, then the talented Mr Mullins is your go-to guy.
Can you summarise your life so far?
I grew up in Fulham, South West London, which is where I still live. I was never very good at academic subjects and only passed three GCSEs – art, drama and textiles. At my school everyone was stoned out of their minds the whole time, so not much got done really. My teens were pretty wild, reaching a climax at a time that me and my best mate call the ‘Glory Days’ just before I turned nineteen. It’s really quite blurry.
What’s the idea behind your Central Saint Martins graduate collection?
My graduate collection was mostly inspired by the swagger of Teddy Boys, yet morphed with the trip of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. I wanted the collection to look like a group of guys from an imaginary subculture that all had their own personality and characteristics, but were still part of a unit.
…and your current collection?
My newest piece from the Royal College of Art has deep roots in a Western/ cowboy theme, yet mixed with bric-a-brac England and British produce and packaging.
Are your designs an extension of your personality?
I think that each person who is a creative spends their whole life trying to show a visual representation of what’s inside their mind. Each individual’s experiences within their life and childhood will shape and form them as a designer. For me, I really love working. I always thought since I was a kid that if I could earn money doing what I would do as a hobby, then I would be a very lucky young man.
Menswear tends to be more controlled than womenswear. Were you anxious the designs may be perceived as more avant-garde than wearable?
I wasn’t really thinking of a market or people actually wearing my clothes at the time I designed and made them. I know that sounds weird, but I wanted to be honest and I thought, “This is my BA collection. I’m not on an MA right now, and this may be the only time I get to do what the hell I want!” What I showed for my graduate collection was true to me at the time, and I really don’t think it could have been anything else. But I have learnt from it and realised what it is I want from my work in the future, which I hope will have the same excitement and lucidity yet be more wearable and desirable.
What is the Alex Mullins message? How do you want the brand to be known?
I always think confusion is exciting, but maybe that’s a confusing answer.
If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
I love the Miami-based artist/ knitter Jim Drain. He makes the most dreamy monsters. The artist Nick Cave who makes these ‘sound suits’ that are amazing. I’d also like to see what could happen if me and Elvis went to Vegas together. That would be jokes! And maybe Tim Walker could document it? It could all be sponsored by Walls ice-cream, Marmite and Topps Pizza, and maybe a personalised Cadillac, covered in Swarovski crystals, and the whole cast from ‘The Only Way is Essex’ would be there. That would be fun. Yeah, all of that please.
What motto do you live by?
I have two – “No gets you nowhere” and “Different horses for different courses.”
Have you ever Googled yourself?
Yeah, of course! Who the hell hasn’t?
Do you have any other creative outlets?
What does fashion mean to you?
Clothes help others see what kind of person you are. I’m not too sure about what fashion is.
I don’t like regretting things, and I HATE missing out. Which is why I try to be impulsive.
What’s next for Alex Mullins?
I’m currently at the RCA for another year so mainly that, and then, who knows? A lot can happen in a year…Dancing on Ice perhaps?