The car culture in London is thriving.
If there was one word to describe the current classic and modified car scene of London, it would be thriving. And yet, in many ways, there’s every reason it shouldn’t be. ULEZ restrictions. Increasing inner-city congestion. The number of specialized garages is declining. Owning a modern classic in London comes with a lot of challenges, but these challenges also foster a close-knit, intensely passionate community of collectors, admirers, and, eventually, friends.
We were enmeshed in this cultural movement for only a few seconds before we were engulfed in its contagiousness as we headed to a multi-story parking lot in West London to spend the day with influential people from the city’s car community. In every way, the cars were amazing. a silver Porsche 911 996 Turbo with 9FF center-locking wheels; a Honda Integra Type R DC2 in Championship White; and a Nissan Skyline R34 GTR in Bayside Blue.
The list would go on and on. However, the owners were more than just the vehicles; they were a friendly community of individuals from various backgrounds who shared a common desire to preserve London’s automotive culture. It’s this love of preserving cult classics that’s epitomized by the re-release of Nike’s much-adored Air Max SNDR, a shoe that captures the progressive energy of the cars at the meet—making it the perfect opportunity to spotlight the synergy between SNDR and modified car culture.
“I think it is important to preserve and reproduce culture, much like today,” said Ghaleb, a journalist, co-founder of Mildly Interesting Cars of London, and Head of Brand at Shooting Brake, one of the main protagonists from the meeting, about the SNDR’s reissue and its connection to car culture. It is significant to people primarily because that was the culturally ideal period.
People could afford to buy nice things in large quantities during this time, and the ’90s was a time of great optimism and self-expression, which led to the creation of many avant-garde cars, fashion items, shoes, and other items. Whether I buy new or used, everything I wear seems to have motifs from that time period; it symbolizes my optimism and love of self-expression.
“Cars are often classified as symbols of wealth, power, and masculinity, and while all of that can be exciting, the cars that we adore at MICOL are highly expressive,” Ghaleb said, discussing his work at Mildly Interesting Cars of London and his love of self-expression. For example, a two-tone Mercedes SL from the 1990s is a very expressive vehicle that, in my opinion, resembles a relaxed summer suit. That’s one of those cars that’s almost part of an outfit; you don’t drive it, you wear it.
The stats, the price, the value—none of those matter, but what I find interesting is that it’s quite hard to own an old car in London now. Because of the infrastructure being largely destroyed and the closure of many old garages and parts stores due to gentrification, it is much more difficult to keep an old car on the road. I am curious as to why someone who lives in a reasonably pleasant area of London and leads a typical life would want to keep that car on the road. If you have to spend your entire day traveling to garages in remote areas and searching eBay for parts, it can be a complete hassle at times. But it is because they truly adore that car, and it expresses them in a way that a more contemporary vehicle doesn’t.”
“I think it is important as it shows who you are,” said Debbie, a DJ, producer, and recent creator of the YouTube series Driving with Debbie, about the connection between sneakers and cars. It is a great way to express yourself, in my opinion, especially since the cars are all modified to the point where it kind of mimics their personalities. And I love shoes, which are also a great way of expressing yourself.
Every pair of sneakers I have has a story behind it.”. Debbie just launched her YouTube series, Driving with Debbie, in which she picks up friends who are also well-known musicians and takes them around London while engaging in light conversation. About the show, Debbie stated, “The show is called Driving with Debbie. I just wanted to show popular figures in a more comfortable light, but I didn’t want it to be where we sit down and do something weird. I’ve just got my car, so I thought if I get some of the famous people I know in my car, what will come of it? It might be the most casual thing ever.
It’s also a way to get my name out there, especially with my DJing and producing.”. Debbie kickstarted the series with South Florida rapper Denzel Curry, commenting, “I’ve known him since 2017, so almost seven years now. I didn’t even mention it to him; I kind of kidnapped him as he was in London—II was like, ‘You’re getting in my car and we’re recording it’, and he was like, ‘Okay’. I’ve known his management and team for seven years as well, and they were so supportive—he posted it on his socials and did a collaboration post with me, so I’m appreciative of them; I love them so much.”.
Because of a passion that started in Debbie’s early years, there is a clear connection between Driving with Debbie and the inclusion of musicians: “Music has been around me my whole life. I grew up surrounded by it because my mom was in the church choir and my brother played instruments. When I was around four years old, Alicia Keys’s Songs in A Minor was the first complete album I ever listened to, and I have been captivated ever since.
I was surrounded by music like Bob Marley and Grime while growing up with two older brothers, one of whom is in his thirties and the other recently turned thirty. I listened to what I liked growing up, so my taste is somewhat of a mashup of genres. To further showcase her musical abilities, Debbie even produced the music for the accompanying video for the editorial.
After a day of observing London’s modified car culture, which provides a range of opportunities for self-expression as well as a gathering place for likeminded car enthusiasts, the scene is more lively than before.
MONTBELL IS ANNOUNCED AT THE END.
Equipment weight is a critical factor in climbing. You can move more easily and quickly with lighter equipment because every gram counts. It’s this concept that sits at the very core of the much-loved Japanese label, Montbell. Its roots are in Switzerland, where the brand’s CEO, Isamu Tatsuno, came up with the concept of “Light & Fast” while touring the Eiger and Matterhorn.
This approach formed the basis for the establishment of the brand in 1975 and resulted in the production of high-quality, practical outdoor equipment that prioritized speed and lightweight design.
When Isamu Tatsuno was just 21 years old, he contributed experience to the brand’s establishment and continued operations as one of Japan’s most prominent climbers.
Having climbed the North Face of the Eiger in the Swiss Alps, he became the second Japanese person to successfully ascend the North Face of the Matterhorn. It’s this wealth of knowledge, experience, and product expertise that’s woven throughout the DNA of Montbell.
A selection of garments that exemplify the Montbell-inspired design concept for its debut at END have been highlighted. The O.D. Anorak, for instance, is crafted from a lightweight fabric that’s soft and cotton-like, as well as treated with a water-repellent finish to keep you dry during downpours. Consistent with the company’s goal of creating functional, lightweight clothing,
The Rain Trekker jacket arrives crafted from GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER and is seam-sealed to create a lightweight, comfortable, and weatherproof jacket. Showcasing the versatility of Montbell.
The Colorado parka is crafted from lightweight, down-filled fabric that’s reversible, with a smooth shell fabric on one side and down baffles on the other. The same approach continues with accessories, with Montbell’s Light Pocketable tote bag crafted from a lightweight, packable material for all of your outdoor, or inner city, essentials.
END. CURATES: The Layering Art
It is time to start thinking about autumn and incorporating layering back into our wardrobe rotations now that the summer sun is finally ending. Nodding to both streetwear and functional fashion design with nostalgic influences, each look marries streetwear’s love for oversized, voluminous shapes and comfortable pieces with more feminine, tailored pieces. Offering the perfect juxtaposition, this contrast helps to build versatile looks with a polished edge, with everything from GANNI and Martine Rose knitwear to Adanola tracksuits.
Layering takes center stage throughout the edit, with knitwear paired with graphic tees, jackets casually slung over the shoulders in a laissez-faire manner, and accessories finishing things off with a flourish. While contrasting fabrics add a further subtle dimension, each layer adds depth and personality. Knitwear is combined with denim, plaid, and faux fur.
Punctuating these layered women’s looks with pops of color to brighten up any overcast autumn day, a vibrant palette looks to create a balance with more muted tones a la Our Legacy, Aries, and Anine Bing reflecting the timelessness of autumnal hues and bold pigments adding a healthy dose of freshness from Beams Boy and Ottolinger. A key component of transitional layering is striking a balance between the need to stay grounded and the desire to stand out, which is both practical and the ideal way to incorporate modern fashion-forward styles.
END. PRESENTS “LAUNDROMAT” WITH ABOUT: BLANK & EARL OF EAST
The collection sees END. partner with London-based About Blank, creating a seven-piece capsule centered around the laundromat theme. The foundation of the capsule is made up of basic menswear items, with a strong focus on graphics, washes, and details. Hoodies and tees are crafted from sun-bleached cotton that’s washed out to nod to the collaboration’s theme, as well as detailed with bespoke branding throughout — from “Laundry Service” graphics to exposed care tags.
In keeping with this strategy, wide-cut jeans are sprayed in shades of faded blue and black and adorned with branding on the back that is reminiscent of a care tag. About: Blank’s iconic boxy and cropped cardigan is also redesigned, featuring the collection’s care tag branding on one pocket and distressing at the trims. The collection’s theme is further emphasized by the custom “Laundry Service” graphic printed on a heavyweight white t-shirt, which features a cartoonish, playful washing machine with “END.” floating in its drum.
Delving further into the laundry theme, END. has partnered with London-based Earl of East to present a custom scent, “Fresh Linen.”. Through their collaboration, Earl of East and END are reimagining the quintessential nostalgic fragrance with a candle that features a special combination of driftwood, lily, and sweet orange. Arriving in custom laundry-themed packaging with care tag-inspired graphics, the “Fresh Linen” candle is the ideal way to bring the scent of fresh laundry into your home on a summer day.