Photograph Tom Hunter, from ‘The Travellers Series’ 1996-1998

James Long does stories well. His collections are consistently traced with sci-fi lead, tailoring constructed via high tech fabrics and sporty detailing.

Two seasons ago it was velodrome chic, FW14 was an intergalactic affair and for SS15 it’s a “sports Jesus aesthetic ” – think retired ring fighter meets a fusion of forest Ibiza and ghetto, nomad Hackney in the style of British photographer Tom Hunter. Ding ding ding, this round’s canal-side.

James Long SS15

“SS15 is a collection with the narrative of a boxing star who has had enough and turned to a more free spirited kind of life, fusing a kind of sports Jesus aesthetic,” explains Long. “Continuity is a theme that sees woven mesh reworked, satins bonded, logos distorted and bubble quilting is taken into new areas of knit and accessories. Shapes reflect the boxing exile in an Ibiza context. Colour is key, in parts strict and in parts distressed which reflects the contradiction of athletic versus hippy.

Photographer Tom Hunter, images of my home in Hackney, Thai boxing kits and trips to a forest in Ibiza inspire the colour pallets and narrative.

The collection is more than ever a head to toe look. The denim is really strong and the techniques are special throughout the collection.

I think each collection builds and there are things from the last few shows that have been updated and developed along with brand new ideas and very personal inspirations. I want these designs to feel special. The future is interesting but sometimes it’s good to look back too. Fuse the two for a new outcome.

We will be making, cutting, styling and talking about everything until the show goes out. The hair by John Vial at Fudge and make up by Lotten Holmqvist makes each look incredibly strong. Luke Day styles the show to a personal level and everyone gets excited about the vision. Can’t wait.”

James Long presents his SS15 collection on Monday 16th June. Stay tuned to HERO for full fashion week coverage, from London, Florence, Milan and Paris