For 2021 Fred Perry has teamed up with musical trailblazers Gorillaz to create a true piece of subcultural uniform, taking the brand from sportswear to streetwear.
The Gorillaz, a virtual band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, includes frontman 2D, guitarist Noodle, drummer Russel Hobbs and bassist Murdoc Niccals. The British band have been releasing music since 1998, with hits including Clint Eastwood and Feel Good Inc featuring hip-hop trio De La Soul.
Gorillaz are the perfect artists to represent the Fred Perry Shirt, sharing a sense of independent thought and spirit with the British fashion brand and a need to do things differently.
The Fred Perry shirt is a garment you can recognise from across a dance floor or football stadium thanks to the Laurel Wreath proudly embroidered on its chest. Designed by triple Wimbledon champion Fred Perry in the 1950s and adopted by generations of subcultures ever since. The Original M12 Twin Tipped Fred Perry Shirt and Original M3 One-Colour Fred Perry Shirt haven’t changed since they were first designed over 60 years ago. They’re still made on traditional machines in Leicester, England and finished by hand.
For 2021, the campaign features Gorillaz lead vocalist and keyboard player 2D in the M3 One- Colour Fred Perry Shirt in all-white. Bass player Murdoc Niccals wears the M12 Twin Tipped Fred Perry Shirt in Tartan Green/Ice/Red, guitarist Noodle wears the M12 in Brighton Ice/ French Navy, and drummer Russel Hobbs dons the M12 in Maroon/White/Ice.
Gorillaz drummer Russel Hobbs said: “My first Fred Perry shirt wasn’t actually mine, it belonged to Arthur Ashe. Like a cross between Barack Obama and Denzel Washington…he was an artist… he had style, he had an afro, he wore a pair of tiny shorts – and, of course, the classic Fred Perry tennis shirt. He even made a record called “How To Play Tennis”, I have that record. I still can’t play tennis. Love that shirt tho, it’s my favourite thing.”
The M3 and M12 Fred Perry Shirts are available globally, online and in Fred Perry shops.
GO: Visit www.fredperry.com to shop the brand and for more information.
