This nostalgia and sentimentality is core to much of Derrelle’s work but doesn’t stop him from moving forward and constantly adapting as an artist. “The pace of our society doesn’t allow time for much these days,” notes Derrelle. For him, it’s about changing his focus to the present, rather than the future, whilst allowing for time to reflect on the past.
The shirt itself features watercolour paintings from Derrelle’s family photo album turned into an all-over collage print, overlaid with a poem and phrases that celebrate his hometown. In his poem, Derrelle affirms, “This is for us /Our city /Brummies /New & Old” – a fitting ode to the city that raised him, people before him, and those to follow.
The campaign for the shirt was shot around Birmingham’s cultural hotspots, the photos stamped with Derrelle’s take on the iconic Wreath logo. Throughout, we see the legendary Bullring markets, with local trader, Sammie, who has worked there since he was seven and inherited the stall from his father.
Derrelle’s childhood barber, Bigga, also appears, as well as Rajesh (“Raju”), who revisited Handsworth Park and his family home to recreate that legendary self-portrait, first captured in creatives Derek Bishton, Brian Homer and John Reardon’s pop-up photography studio in 1979.
Elsewhere, Derrelle’s mother’s best childhood pal, Scooby, and her daughter, Bobby, are seen in their family home, and Dennis Hamilton (“Hatman”) appears in his 40-year-old shop in Brum city centre. In this vein, the collaboration is more than just a collection; it’s a meditation on the memories, places and bonds that make us who we are.