THE MAKING OF AN ICON: WITH PATSY KENSIT AND LENNON GALLAGHER

THE MAKING OF AN ICON: WITH PATSY KENSIT AND LENNON GALLAGHER

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THE MAKING OF AN ICON:

WITH PATSY KENSIT AND LENNON GALLAGHER

To celebrate the launch of Napapijri’s AW24 collection, Future Heritage, writer Kemi Alemoru talked to the campaign’s stars about the past, present and making it in the industry.

WORDS: KEMI ALEMORU, IMAGES: INDIA ASHMORE

Napapijri’s impressive AW24 collection is an ode to the brand’s revered archive pieces. Dubbed Future Heritage, it marries past and present, reinterpreting bold silhouettes and iconic pieces, from the brand’s first ever jacket, the Skidoo, which has evolved into the Hyper-Puffer, to the new Rainforest Tech – a minimalist version of the bestselling Rainforest Jacket.

Revisiting and remixing the brand’s signature outerwear that made its mark on ‘90s streetwear creates an intimate dialogue between generations. A thread that continues with the stars of the campaign, mother and son duo Patsy Kensit and Lennon Gallagher.

Lennon Gallager and Patsy Kensit hugging Lennon Gallagher and Patsy Kensit wearing Napapijiri

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The two hold a special place in cultural history. Patsy has graced our screens in beloved British shows like Eastenders, Strictly Come Dancing and Emmerdale, while appearing in the Lethal Weapon franchise and sharing the big screen with Mel Gibson.

Lennon, whose father is Liam Gallagher of Oasis, has carried the torch as a musician with his band Automotion, and has an impressive modelling career. He was the face of Burberry last year, has graced the covers of L’Officiel Hommes, Vogue, and British GQ, and walked for Saint Laurent.

With Britpop set to have a huge resurgence next year thanks to the Oasis comeback tour, Lennon says it's “cool” that he’s preparing for the long-awaited family reunion. “I’m really happy Lennon gets to see his dad’s band and I’m also really happy for his father,” Patsy says of the sold-out run.

I used to go to my dad’s concerts when I was two-foot. But I started to realise a bit more [that he was different] when other children grew up and started liking his music. - Lennon Gallagher.

In the spirit of family projects, this is the first time the pair have ever worked together, and the experience has helped them discover a new appreciation for each other as colleagues. They’ve come a long way since Patsy would plan his outfits for public events. “There’s that one photo of me at a premiere in a f**king weird jacket with tassels. What was that?” he asks his mum. “I’m not sure. I was having a hippy moment,” Patsy laughs.

“We joked about keeping a straight face,” says Lennon of their campaign shoot for Napapijri. While Patsy confesses, she was beaming with pride at how once it was time to work there was no “mucking about”. “I’ll probably embarrass him by saying he will always be my baby,” she adds. “But I was so proud.”

To celebrate their collaboration and the launch of Napapijri’s collection in FLANNELS X, we sat down with the duo to talk the making of an icon: from influencing one another to the enduring legacy of the ‘90s and how they’ve built their eclectic style journeys…

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ALWAYS LOOK TO THE PAST

Looking back at previous trends and subcultures is a near-constant obsession, especially in the digital age. And Patsy reflects on when Napapijri first established itself as a cult brand: “The ‘90s saw a real explosion outside music,” she says. With its Skidoo jacket working for Britpop lovers at festivals and acid-house ravers at spontaneous raves in fields around the country, there’s an enduring appeal to this ready-for-action staple. “Comfort is king,” adds Patsy. She would pair large jumpers, tights and boots for a casual look.

Lennon was always quite clear about what he wanted to wear when he was younger. - Patsy Kensit.

TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THOSE YOU LOVE

Lennon is known for his self-described “grungy” style (think big leather coats, baggy trousers, and statement boots). However, his first shopping sprees took place in Patsy’s wardrobe. “I used to come home, and there’d be a whole section missing in my wardrobe. Then I went into your room and thought, ‘Is that my jumper? Is that my shirt?’ He used to like my clothes a lot. Not my dresses – though that would have been fine,” she says, explaining that they have similar style. “Lennon was always quite clear about what he wanted to wear when he was younger.”

Of course, he had a great mood board with both his parents being entertainers with distinct styles. “I used to go to my dad’s concerts when I was two-foot. But I started to realise a bit more [that he was different] when other children grew up and started liking his music,” he says. “But I wouldn’t change a thing about my childhood.”

 Meanwhile, Patsy’s youth left her inspired by her Absolute Beginners co-star David Bowie’s eccentric style.

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(ACTUALLY) BE NICE

Lennon says that when Patsy learned he wanted to go into modelling she “always instilled a level of professionalism” on him and gave him a good work ethic. Becoming a regular face in the fashion world is about flair but also reliability. “You told me to be on time, treat everyone really well, don’t be a prima donna, and help them pack up after a shoot,” he says to his mother on set. “They’ve had a difficult day, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect,” Patsy replies.

However, on this shoot, she was careful not to take the lead and let him show off his expertise. “I can’t boss him around anymore. He’s not bossable,” she adds. However, as they’ve grown, Lennon has also been able to give his mum some sage advice. “Lennon’s made me be a bit patient. I think he’s also got the sweetest soul, and he’s really kind and forgiving,” Patsy explains. Whether it’s work or within the family, he’s always helped her navigate new challenges. “It’s been hard to blend everything, but he was always such a cool kid, telling me to take a breath. I get a bit stressed.”

The ‘90s was such a great time because there was no social media and so much freedom and optimism. - Patsy Kensit.

CHOOSE GREAT COLLABORATORS

On your creative journey as an actor, musician or model the key to success is also finding partnerships that serve you. Working together for Napapijri is a milestone for Pasty and Lennon, who haven’t worked together before. Patsy says when Lennon first started modelling at 17, she felt incredibly anxious about the travel and the pressure but was surprised at how mature and capable he is as a creative. “I’m really grateful to have worked with my son because he’s super down to earth – nothing goes to his head!”

Equally complimentary Lennon says the experience has been eye-opening for him too. “I’ve always been really proud of you,” he says as he confirms he’d work with his mum again, instantly making her emotional. “That makes my heart cry,” she adds.

 As for the brand, it was a perfect fit for Britpop-era progeny. “Napapijri is chic. There’s a great design element, and, also, they’ve had the instinct to reintroduce the brand,” Patsy says. “Not only that, but the whole team had been fantastic, so supportive and creative.”

Walking around the Oxford Street store, they pick out looks and talk about how they can’t wait to wear the jackets “in the wilderness” while walking together, as Patsy describes her borg Skidoo jacket as “couture via streetwear”.

TAKE A LEAF OUT OF THE ERA’S BOOK AND LOG OFF

Another way to be creatively inspired is to return to ensure you’re experiencing as much as possible. “The ‘90s was such a great time because there was no social media and so much freedom and optimism,” Patsy says. “Even if it’s looking at a nice blue sky, make sure you’re trying to find happiness and peace.”

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