British subculture-inspired shoes manufacturer Underground England, known for its punchy punk aesthetic, has launched its collaboration with London-based artist/designer Olli Hull – who had recently also teamed with H&M Beyond x Revibe.
This time, Olli Hull applies his signature artwork on Underground England’s classic Wulfrun Creeper and the 14 Eyelet Steel Cap Ranger Boot, offering the two established shoe styles a contemporary interpretation.
Each pair of shoes is custom-made, with the artwork applied at the artist’s studio in London.
“Whilst designing the artwork for these shoes I thought a lot about my own experiences growing up, and how as a Queer person, I have always felt somewhat ‘Underground’ or outside of the ‘norm’,” Olli Hull comments.
Credit: UNDERGROUND x Olli Hull Collaboration. Photography by Simran Kaur
“As I reflected on the LGBTQ+ community in London, I began to notice traces of subcultures and Underground movements that have been before us, who all wanted to disrupt the status quo and reimagine a new way of life,” the artist adds.
“I wanted these shoes to celebrate The Underground as I know it, which is the rumbling belly below the spectacle of the mainstream that hungers for self-expression, champions authenticity and encourages positive change. It’s the Trans pride marches, The Extinction rebellion protests, Secret warehouse raves and ‘Dalston Superstore’ on a Saturday night. It’s that place where for a moment everyone is free,“ Olli Hull notes.
Photo credit: Simran Kaur / Hair and makeup: Callum Olver
The exclusive boots and creepers by Olli Hull for Underground England are available from both their online stores as pre-orders.
