Nok Nok. Who’s there?
An interview with Angel Nokonoko, leading denim designer heading up new East London based denim company Nok Nok.
Nok Nok is a vibrant new take on the classic denim jean that has sparked excitement in the creative hub of East London. Nok Nok is an experimental take on how we see and wear our favorite piece of clothing, drawing on inspiration from classic British tailoring and merging them with new washes and techniques inspired by vintage punk, surf and skate style. Nok Nok sources their denim fabrics from Okayama, Japan to provide a solid range of T-shirt.
ROOMS had the privilege to speak to the head designer and founder Angel Nokonoko about his denim collection, why he loves Dalston and what advice he can give to aspiring fashion designers.
How would you describe your company Nok Nok?
Nok Nok is an extension of myself, fun, interesting, and fresh, different with an edge as I say.
How did you get started designing, was this a childhood dream, were you always interested in a career in fashion?
Well since my nightlife times in Ibiza as a teen I use to make and customized t-shirts and jeans for my friends before going raving. It wasn’t really a childhood dream to be honest, I wanted to be a footballer, but I enjoyed making clothes, cutting them, putting studs, it was a great way of expressing myself, like a painting or a picture you want to send a friend or recreate a feeling that you have deep down.
You are a designer and a DJ; do you draw inspiration for designing from music too?
I draw inspiration from anything that I connect with in on spiritual a physical level. I will feel an instant urge to wright it down, draw it or taking a pic. But yeah music it’s a great source of inspiration, same as movies, I love dramas! I don’t really consider myself a DJ out of respect of some of my good friends that are masters in this craft. I would say I’m a good tune selector with a good eye to feel what people want to listen. But funny enough lately I’m djing every weekend with a monthly residency for Weekend Gang Party and I have a weekly radio show at Dejavufm on Thursday.
You are based in East London but you are originally from Ibiza, how are the two cultures different and how have they influenced your fashion designs?
I think East London is a bigger Ibiza, there’s so much energy, I love living in Dalston. I feel so energized and inspired whenever I’m out, the mixture of cultures and styles are great from Turkish to Jamaicans, from fashionistas to skaters and rockers... It’s great and the nightlife it’s pretty good, so it reminds me of Ibiza, the happy vibes… the mixture of people. This influences my work constantly, I like to create pieces that people can wear on a night out, cool rock & roll, sexy and also can wear them to the beach during the day.
Are there any other designers or places of interest in London you get inspiration from?
Nowadays I don’t really follow or check other designers I rather check painters, sculptures, dancers, singers! I draw inspiration from their style, personality & aura... London is great for inspiration you can go to Soho and the energy is so strong or you can go to Stamford hill and feel like you are in a totally different country but this is so beautiful and inspiring.
I understand you are a Central Saint Martins alumni, what kind of advice would you give to a young fashion student inspiring to have their own fashion company?
My time in Saint Martins was some of the best years in London. I used to organize parties for all the students and sometimes teachers used to come down so people used to know me for that. But I also worked really hard; I would say work hard but also learn as much as you can, meet people that can give you good advice, be confident in your dream, don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it! Learn from your mistakes, but above all have fun while you are building you company!! It’s so exciting.
You place a lot of value in detail in your denim collection, from floral fabrics lining the interior to good quality sourced fabrics from Japan, how important is detail for you in design?
Angel Nokonoko by Vlady Vala
I love detail; this comes from the fact that I’m a menswear designer first, so I like to focus on small hidden details. It’s what shows that you have been thinking and studying your design, that there’s a balance and reasoning behind it all. I believe quality is very important; it’s a key point on your brand, especially for small brands, the way you are able to compete is by introducing interesting cool details and quality. I have always been in love with Japan, its culture, people and way of life, they are perfectionist when it comes to craftsmanship, and so quality there is very important.
We are doing a big event in Tokyo in June for my brand in partnership with Weekend Gang Party and 6Tribes.com
What are your plans for your brand for the next year?
I have so many plans for the brand, sky is the limit! We want to get stocked at some big retailers in London, we are talking with a few and have meetings; in addition we are working in a licensing deal for a distribution company in Canada so that will help lift the business up. But for me fashion is just one side of the brand, I would like to expand it to entertainment, like a lounge/shop, a radio station and few other things…
Earn some fashion points by checking out Nok Nok denim designs
All photos © Nok Nok denim and Angel Nokonoko
6 picks: our Photo London favourites
SELL: Photo London is back with up to 70 exhibitors. We’ve chosen our six favourite galleries we think you should check out at Somerset House this May
Photo London is back with up to 70 exhibitors. We’ve chosen our six favourite galleries we think you should check out at Somerset House this May.
Image © Samuel Hicks, Llamas Chile
Crane Kalman Gallery – Brighton
The independent British photography gallery, Crane Kalman Gallery puts the best, young and local talent on their walls. Along with some of contemporary photography’s brightest stars, it is fast becoming a place where buying, and even collecting photography is possible due to their affordable prices. Associated to the Crane Kalman Gallery, London, it has been one of the leading galleries to showcase the work of modern British painters, such as Henry Moore, for the past 45 years.
Harry Cory Wright-Plate VIII. The Coast, 2015-C print. 58 x 71 in / 148 x 180 cm (edition of 3). 32 1/2 x 39 in / 83 x 100 cm (edition of 7)
Eleven Fine Art – London
Founded in 2005 by Charlie Phillips - who was formerly the founding director of Haunch of Venison - and Laura Lopes, Eleven Fine Art runs its smooth operation from its permanent space in Belgravia, with pop up galleries throughout London. Eleven Fine Art is dedicated to exhibiting the best faces of international contemporary art. With a range of art by both well established, and emerging artists, the gallery also acts as an art advisory service.
Image courtesy of Eleven, London
Ismaïl Bahri | Eclipses, vidéo, 4/3, 4 mn, 2013
Galerie Les Filles du Calvaire – Paris
With more than half of its represented artists being photographers, Galerie Les Filles du Calvaire has truly committed to the contemporary photography scene. Launched in Paris in 1996 by art collector, Stephane Maghan, and artistic director, Christine Ollier, the gallery’s programme comprises three divisions. Fine-art photography dealing with the problematic of the image and notions of subject, the field of the abstract and figurative painting, and multidisciplinary works involving installation and video.
The Haas Brothers, Grace Tall stool and Dolph Tall stool from the Beast series (2013)
Black Icelandic Sheepskin and three cast bronze long legs; White Icelandic Sheepskin and four cast bronze long legs
34h x 18w x 15d in; 27.5h x 18w x 18d in
Kasher I Potamkin – New York
A hybrid between two well-established gallery names, Steven Kasher (Steven Kasher Gallery) and Andi Potamkin (Three Squares Studio), presents handcrafted, rare objects and unique works of art and design. As a ‘boutique-meets-gallery’, the 1,100-sqaure-foot space situates its works of art in an intimate, cosy, home-like environment, essentially exploring the connection on how to integrate art and life. Aesthetics and craftsmanship are the key elements Kasher and Potamkin look for when sourcing artists to represent.
Novye Mytischi, Suburbs of Moscow, Russia, 2010 | From the series: Pastoral | Archival pigment print 90 x 108cm Edition of 5 + 2 AP
The Wapping Project Bankside – London
Specialising in photography, film and video, The Wapping Project Bankside gallery represents a small group of international fine art photographers born after 1970. All the photographers work with the film medium, creating work with challenging subject matters. The gallery has also showcased the works of late Lillian Bassman and Deborah Turbeville, the fine art work of Susan Meiselas and the fashion photography of Paolo Roversi.
"Temple 54", 2015, pigment print, 122.5 x 156.1 cm ©Thomas Demand, VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn / JASPAR, Tokyo
Taka Ishii Gallery – New York/Paris/Tokyo
First opened in 1994, with an exhibition devoted to exploring the conceptual foundations and implications of contemporary photographic and graphic practice. The gallery now has spaces in Tokyo, New york and Paris, and has since exhibited and published works of contemporary established Japanese and foreign artists, while still supporting the development of younger, emerging artists.
Somerset House, from 21-24 May 2015
Heated Words: Initial Research of a forgotten typeface
Heated Words presents, Initial Research private view, an exhibition documenting the journey of a forgotten typeface across the subcultural movement.
Heated Words presents, Initial Research private view, an exhibition documenting the journey of a forgotten typeface across the subcultural movement.
The exhibition, which will display photography and ephemera, is solely focused on a specific, unidentified typeface that exclusively existed as iron-on flock lettering.
The typeface has made predominant appearances within the documentation of subcultures between the early 70s to late 80s, appearing on items of D.I.Y clothing and used by: Little League teams, Street gangs, B-Boys, Punks, Pop artists, Pop stars, Disco dancers and the entire squadrons of the Double Dutch skipping troupes.
Heated Words aims to illustrate an ongoing investigation to uncover the true identity of a folk-lore typeface that never made it to the post analogue era. The discovery of this typeface involves some of pop cultures most influential individuals, locations, brands and central moments in history.
The Clash, Biz Markie, Ramellzee, Big Audio Dynamite, Rock City Crew, Furious Rockers and the Ebonettes all have a connection with this typeface, and make an appearance within Heated Words.
Located at multi use creative space, House of Vans, in the heart of one of the world’s most creative cities, London. The 3,000sqm space is devoted to encouraging evolving talent, across cinematic, artistic and musical areas. The creative space is free, and open to all who wish to attend.
Heated Words: Initial Research | March 27th to April 10th, House of Vans, London.
Private view - Thursday 26th April 2015 | 7 – 11pm
It’s About Time : Review
Set in the basement beneath the Rich Mix Studios, It’s About Time exhibits five women artists, all originating from the Arab world and now living in Britain.
“ I want people to see the artists not only as women from the Arab world, but as women who live in a global world.”
Set in the basement beneath the Rich Mix Studios, It’s About Time exhibits five women artists, all originating from the Arab world and now living in Britain. The exhibition’s premier came as part of Arab Women Artists Now, a one day festival that offers a platform to the artistic excellence of an increasing active, increasingly present subsection of British society.
The works on display are diverse, both in terms of subject matter and medium. The first to greet the viewer is a small red screen-print of graffiti daubed by women in the notorious Khiam prison in Lebanon. It sits along from a brazen clash of greens and red, an abstract take on the Arabic symbol for love.
The quality of the exhibition’s works is overt and as much as its cultural foundation is on-topic enough to draw in on-the-fencers, It’s About Time actively attempts to move itself away from its weighty labels. And their potential to obscure its artistic merit.
Wander down into the spacious, white washed Lower Gallery and you will find nine pieces of work. Three are labelled and six not. There is no literature explaining the artistic origins of the pieces and little can be gleamed from the title. The thinking behind this context-less presentation, according to Zina Papageorgiou, the curator, stems from both the intended viewing experience and conceptual foundation of the exhibition.
I didn’t want to do another exhibition on Arab, female art, Zina explains as she moves across the gallery. Sometimes context is helpful when viewing art. It can colour the artwork and allow an understanding deeper than the aesthetic presentation. I think that when it comes to an exhibition with such heavy, thematic underpinning however, the context can distract from the intentions of the artist as an individual.
One of the exhibition’s individuals is Malika Squalli. Malika is an Austrian-Moroccan who has been travelling the world finding the people and locations that capture her thematic focus. A sense of questioned identity is constantly present in Malika’s washed out, grey photography. A women jumps to catch a yellow balloon, stands beneath a wandering cloud or behind the lens, looking out on a coolly brown, hilly tundra. In each the subject is either partially obscured, the result of Photoshop manipulation, or absent.
The sense of displacement present in this work is manifest in Malika, as an emigrant turned perpetual traveller, and the exhibition in general. Walking further round the gallery and this sense of displacement comes forward in a refrain of contrasts; the crisp, geometrically displayed calligraphy of Dia Batal perched next to Ina Halabi’s multi-media exploration into the internal politics of the Druze Community; Malika’s gentle photography alongside Saadeh George’s brutal painted work. It is a testament to the deft touch of Zina that the pieces operate at once individually, standing on their own as manifestations of their artist’s identity and together, congruent parts of the show’s broader cultural label.
There is a complicated sense of identity present with these artists, Zina says, herself a Greek woman working between The Palestine Conservatoire and Britain. I want people to see the artists not only as women from the Arab world, but as women who live in a global world. Sometimes they don’t want to comment on their ethnicity. I don’t think the “us and them” dynamic is applicable anymore.
There is an underlying awareness of the cultural commonality of the pieces that comes across through the Arabic text and a shared middle-Eastern focus. But rather than this emerging as the prevailing thrust of the exhibition, through its universal themes of love, displacement and loss, It’s About Time successfully manages to distance itself from a cumbersome cultural binary able to diminish some truly excellent work.
It’s About Time is part of the Arab Women Artists Now festival organised by Arts Canteen: a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting emerging artists from the Arab world.
7th – 29th March 2015 | Rich Mix Lower Gallery
The Parasol unit presents: Los Carpinteros, the multidisciplinary duo
The Cuban art collective, Los Carpinteros, will be holding their first major show in the popular Parasol Unit Foundation for contemporary art, in London. The duo will exhibit their large-scale sculptures and installations
The Cuban art collective, Los Carpinteros, will be holding their first major show in the popular Parasol unit Foundation for contemporary art, in London. The duo will exhibit their large-scale sculptures and installations.
Made up of artist collective Marco Castillo and Dagoberto Rodriquez, Los Carpinteros have been working together since the early 1990s. They live and work between Madrid, Spain, Havana and Cuba, and have showcased their work all over the world. Focusing on the intersection between art and society, the group unites architecture, design and sculpture in comical, surprising and inventive ways.
Drawing on personal experiences, their work is often described as ‘interrogative art’. They chose to examine the relationships between art and society, form and function, practicality and frivolousness.
The Parasol unit will include the duo’s installations, sculptures, watercolour drawings and film screenings. The ground floor will be devoted to their larger works, such as the installation Tomates 2013, in which 200 real tomatoes will be splattered against the gallery walls. The piece aims to evoke feelings of compassion and sensitivity surrounding the topic of a political revolution.
The exhibition, curated by Ziba Ardalan, founder and director of the Parasol unit, will also include a series of watercolour drawings and small-scale prototype models. The watercolours bid to display the prosperity of possibilities. These paintings are a crucial aspect of how Los Carpinteros work, and act as a pivotal discussion between the two artists.
The gallery’s intention is to offer a fertile space for artists, so audiences can explore and question contemporary art and the way in which the chosen artists work creatively. The Parasol unit encourages interactivity, asking their audiences to push the boundaries of art, and support artists throughout the exhibitions.
Los Carpinteros will be exhibiting at the Parasol unit from March 25th, until May 24th 2015.
Ben Oakley Gallery to exhibit at the London Affordable Art Fair
The Ben Oakley Gallery is showing off its artists at the London Affordable Art Fair. The gallery, which specialises in unique, one off contemporary art works, limited edition prints and fine art, will be showcasing its carefully selected pieces at the fair in Battersea this March.
The Ben Oakley Gallery is showing off its artists at the London Affordable Art Fair. The gallery, which specialises in unique, one off contemporary art works, limited edition prints and fine art, will be showcasing its carefully selected pieces at the fair in Battersea this March.
The team will be taking some of their Ben Oakley charm to the show space by installing a replica of the gallery to the project space in front of the venue. They promise 1940s wallpaper, a large collection of curiosities and a selection of paintings by artists such as, John McCarthy, David Bray, Matteo Giuntini Bobby Tonge, Jo Peel, Ray Richardson and, of course, Ben Oakley.
Originally opened in 1999 by Will Ramasay, The London Affordable Art Fair aims to make art as fun, accessible and affordable as possible. With 112 galleries showcasing an array of unique artworks from over 1,100 artists this year, there will be something for everyone.
With work from the much-anticipated Project Space Collective, Ben Oakley Gallery and the Come Fly With Me exhibition, the fair is set to be both interactive and inventive. A creative hub for creative minds, they invite visitors to fall in love with art and most importantly, become an art collector.
What started as one venue and 10,000 visitors has now evolved into an international phenomenon, the Affordable Art Fair now runs in cities such as Amsterdam, New York and Milan, to name a few. With over 1.6 million people walking through the fair’s doors, it has undoubtedly made its stamp on the art world.
The Ben Oakley team will be at the fair from the 11th till the 15th of March
Don’t Ask Why - Ask Y Not?
International Women’s Day may have just passed, but Sweet ‘Art and London’s Espacio Gallery are keeping femininity at the forefront with their upcoming aid exhibition Y Not?
International Women’s Day may have just passed, but Sweet ‘Art and London’s Espacio Gallery are keeping femininity at the forefront with their upcoming aid exhibition Y Not?
Exploring everything from femininity to feminine identity and women’s day, the event will focus on the female form, gender identity, feminist issues, social and political issues and constructs, personal accounts, and perspectives.
Contributing artists, regardless of what gender they identify with, have been invited to celebrate, critique, challenge, ridicule and reflect notions of femininity in our society and internationally.
Launched in 2012, Sweet ‘Art are a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of upcoming and established artists; they will be partnering up with Lensational, a creative organisation involved in the emotional and economic empowerment of women through the provision of photography training and equipment.
Also partnered are The LMP Gallery, set to host a parallel show across the pond in Austin, Texas - the two spaces will be exchanging 5 artworks to exhibit during the show run in a display of international solidarity and connectedness.
The private view will take place on Thursday 2 April from 6-9pm, and promises to be an evening of thought provoking fun with welcome cocktails courtesy of Courvoisier along with the usual Sweet ‘Art freebies and surprises!
Y Not?
Espacio Gallery
31 March - 5 April 2015
Private View: Thursday 2 April 6-9pm
Rocket Girl Label: Eclectic Indie sounds at its best
Rocket Girl, a London based label that boasts one of the most eclectic rosters in the British music industry, emerged in 1997 as the brainchild of still owner Vinita Joshi
Rocket Girl, a London based label that boasts one of the most eclectic rosters in the British music industry, emerged in 1997 as the brainchild of still owner Vinita Joshi. In the years prior to Rocket Girl’s founding, Joshi worked in turning an emerging, Essex based rock scene into Ché Trading; a label that transformed the nomenclatural brilliance of Animals That Swim, Tripmaster Monkey and Bardo Pond into a string of releases. Rocket Girl continues this strong early venture into the odds and ends of indie music.
At the other end of the numerical and style spectrum, Pieter Nooten works with Rocket Girl in composing solely from his laptop. Born in the Netherlands, Nooten’s quality is rooted in a minimalistic style of composition that builds a real sense of tenderness with each layer, underlying piano and violin with fuzzy electronic touches. Nooten’s work is not limited to a string of releases, foremost of which is the 2013 release Haven, or even his place in exemplary 90s synth pop group, Clans of Xymox. His expansive back catalogue is regularly re-worked live and backed by the video works of Miryam Chachmany, who's conceptual pieces can be found in galleries from New Mexico to Amsterdam.
Generally understood as skirting round the peak of the curious fame of cult stardom, Television Personalities are a Rocket Girl signing cheerfully ripping up the manual of indie conventuality. Not only with a musical style that unashamedly mixes neo-psychedlia with pop and punk, but with a colourful history that has taken in addiction, homelessness, numerous line-up changes and a couple of nervous breakdowns. Not to be overshadowed by their personal lives, Television Personalities can also boast some truly wonderful records amongst their obscenely large discography, most recently A Memory Is Better Than Nothing.
Füxa (pronounced similar to the colour fuchsia) are a Detroit lo-fi outfit that pay testament to the longterm outlook of Rocket Girl. Formed in 1994, Füxa have worked with Joshi since their first LP, 3 Field Rotation, was released on Che in 1996. Their sound is more likely to be located to the East Coast, treated guitars and vintage synths blending together in a drone more reminiscent of Michigan grunge than the rich heritage of their hometown. Füxa’s swift accession to cult status shows such a cultural fusion to be no bad thing.
One of the labels most intriguing signings is Arms. Based in London, Arms represent the kind of band formation more often seen in the super-group heyday of the 70s. With five lead singers and four nationalities, Arms are six-strong collective formed of out of work solo artists who felt “that the collective sum of their parts could be best utilised as a single unit.” Testament of the group’s successful cohesion can be found in their pin-point lyricism, crisp production and recent LP, Are We All In This Together?
Rocket Girl