Friday, April 29, 2011

NICK CLEMENTS 'REVIVAL'

After years of top-flight work as a fashion photographer, menswear/accessories designer, and publisher of Men's File magazine, Nick Clements has been spending nights and weekends working on his Master's Degree at the Royal College of Art, in London.
Nick Clements holding court
'Revival' is Nick's thesis/exhibition, a study of the 'vintage lifestyle' subculture in England and Europe, which incorporates much of Nick's photography used for Men's File, and other photo projects he's pursued in England, France, America, Italy and Africa, plus examples of the clothing line he's developed, based around classic/traditional/functional patterns and fabrics.

An imaginary American fraternity, Ivy House, is among Nick's theatrical devices for 're-enactment'; art-directing photo shoots with period props, buildings, vehicles, and clothes, provided by the models themselves at times, with a loose narrative thread, and roles for the photo subjects.  Examples of Nick's technique can be seen in every issue of Men's File, which give the magazine a unique quasi-historic pictorial flavor and charm. 
One of Nick's work jackets, hand-decorated by an artist with a ball-point pen.
I have the privilege to write for Nick in his magazine (the back-page column, 'What is a Man?'), and hold the quality of his work in highest esteem.  If the depth of his guest list is any indication, I'm not alone in my opinion.  Men's File is one of the most interesting print rags on the rack, and Nick Clements' peculiar perspective is much of the reason why.  The next issue goes to press at the end of June...but if you're in London anytime very soon, stop by the RCA and see the show!
A few young bucks of the exceedingly well-period-dressed crowd, possibly from Ivy House...
A pair of Harleys; fabulous patina'd Knucklehead and Sporty custom
Candidate for organ rejection; Smiths chronometric speedo on H-D
Nice Norton Dominator café racer
Serious Vincent Series D 'naked' Black Prince
Designer Mark Eley of Eley Kishimoto, publisher Gary Inman of Sideburn, journalist Mick Duckworth
She rode in on a Triumph, and tried out the Lewis Leathers Bullet
The fraternity flag of Ivy House
Vincent Prat of the Southsiders came all the way from Toulouse
Nick Ashley's Cheney Triumph
One of Nick's photos on show
Bamford design duo Karen Leck and Poppy Dover
Royal Enfield bicycle frame lug details
Gallerist Richard Gauntlett gets the skinny