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For 2021 Fred Perry teams up with musical trailblazers, British band Gorillaz for a collaboration of clothing and accessories for men and women from the biggest virtual band in the world.
Created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz - singer 2D, bassist Murdoc Niccals, drummer Russel Hobbs and Japanese guitar prodigy Noodle - was formed following a collision of mishaps, meetings and pure luck to blow up a pre-digital world with their colourful backstory and ground-breaking virtual ways. With seven albums to their name, the band has followed a life of musical innovation, cutting a dash for two glorious decades.
Gorillaz share a sense of independent thought and spirit with our clothing brand, which was founded by triple-Wimbledon champion and working class underdog Fred Perry in 1952. The brand has been adopted by countercultures and musicians ever since, with its Laurel Wreath a signature of individuality and belonging – from elite sports players to fringe subcultures.
The four Gorillaz bandmates have been temporarily forced to leave their longtime West London base Kong Studios after a demonic sinkhole opened up beneath the building. While they wait for the council to sort out the problem, they have grabbed some essentials – instruments, recording gear and the Fred Perry collection that they’ve been working on – and hit the road.
Those wanting to shop the Fred Perry x Gorillaz collection can do so via the band’s virtual HQ - collecting hidden objects and uncovering surprises as they go. The Fred Perry x Gorillaz collaboration has seen each band member put their own unique stamp on the classic Fred Perry Shirt, with bold graphic prints and signature embroidery at the chest.
The distinctive crane print featured throughout the collection reinterprets Fred Perry’s signature polo shirt, pique dress and pleated tennis dress. Look closely and you’ll find that the crane has been a motif which has featured within the Gorillaz world for years.
Track jacket and track pants are embroidered and printed with subtle motifs from the Gorillaz world, with ‘OWL’ and ‘Choose Pazazu’ patches as well as the band’s signature ‘Reject False Icons’ which is printed onto the back of a T-shirt.
Four stand-out outerwear styles feature in the collection, with three adaptations of the Harrington Jacket, all crafted in Wolverhampton, England. Designed with durable, water-resistant cotton, the Contrast Rib Harrington Jacket features a bold zig-zag lining, with the Palm Print Harrington designed with an all-over custom gorilla palm print. The third Harrington is constructed from Britishmade cotton corduroy – a classic design with the custom gorilla palm print lining inside.
The final outerwear style is an adaptation of Fred Perry’s bomber jacket. Constructed from recycled polyester, the collection’s gorilla palm print lines the jacket. Despite the bomber being one of Russel Hobbs’ favourite pieces, it’s Gorillaz frontman 2D who puts himself centre stage with this adaptation. Designed in a video game style font, 2D (player one) is printed on the back.
As well as bold, printed socks, Fred Perry’s classic modernist grip bag is also adapted with the collection’s distinctive crane motif. The Fred Perry x Gorillaz collection is available globally, exclusively online, from Thursday 20th May at 11am BST. You can explore the collection digitally via the band’s virtual and current HQ.
Those wanting to shop the collection must register their interest online before the launch date at fredperry. com/gorillaz.
Registered individuals will be sent a link to the virtual experience on the morning of the launch. You can also access the digital experience through select in-store portals. Details of participating shops can be found online.
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