Spotlight

05.06.24

I’m Ben Stone, I’m a designer based out of London, studying Womenswear at London College of Fashion. Recently I started presenting my work through the creative label ‘MUTINY’, debuting my first collection last month titled ‘BANDIT’. If I’m not making clothes, I’m working 5 different jobs to afford a £7 pint down the pub.

I don’t come from a fashion background, my parents run a landscaping business in the countryside which is completely detached to the industry I’ve found myself in. Like most teens I found myself putting effort into the way I dressed. I always wanted to wear nice clothes but didn’t have enough money to buy anything. So instead I made my own. I stole my mum's sewing machine and ripped down a pair of curtains when she wasn’t looking and started sewing. Dissatisfied studying engineering up North I took a leap of faith and applied to fashion school.

At first, I found it so frustrating hahaha. They have certain methodologies that they try to instil in you, and it felt like I was fighting against the course. I mean, that’s why I started MUTINY. I’ve felt like my creative drive was being drained and contorted to fit the industry standards. So I needed a creative outlet separate to LCF to maintain this passion.

To give it credit, LCF has helped with the intricacies of womenswear; darts, busts, linings, pattern drafting, all skills that I came to LCF without knowing. I’m coming to the end of my first year now and I’ve stopped fighting against the course. I’ve realised that I need to be open to learning and stop being so stubborn because it’ll get me nowhere.

As bleak as it sounds my best inspiration is the fragile state of the nation I live in. The UK is a nation suffering at the hands of politicians who play with policies like toys, blind to the immense social and economic effects on the working-class individual. I want to present social commentaries in a satirical sense, nuancing activism to show we have no pride left. ‘If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry’ as they say. I don’t see enough British designers exposing the gritty, raw reality of this country, instead creating their own romanticisation. On a side note, history always intrigues me. Think it stemmed from watching ‘Horrible Histories’ (a British kids programme) when I was younger.

So the visualiser depicts a protagonist gifting jewellery to his Grandma, which unbeknownst to her was stolen from none other than the Royal family. What follows is a satirical cat and mouse chase through the streets and past Buckingham palace.

It’s one of those Robin Hood type analogies: The monarchy in this country is always a subject of discussion and controversy. Many questioning their relevance in today’s society and many angered that we have to pay for their upheaval and maintenance. I wanted to turn the social construct on its head, giving back that power and authority to the people. Many of the pieces take inspiration from monarchist silhouettes, manipulated through texture and material to create an act of reclamation. For instance, the women’s jacket and skirt co-ed takes inspiration from traditional Royal Guard dress wear. However, it’s been altered by applying a layer of latex paint to the exterior, giving it a rough, reclaimed feeling.

What are your plans for MUTINY?

It's such early days that I’m just taking everything as it comes. That’s the refreshing thing about having my own creative outlet, I can make what I want, when I want. I’m not forced to think about sales, finance, deadlines etc. I’ve already got plans for the second collection but I’m happy to take my time to perfect it. Especially when I want my work to carry that essence of nuanced activism, it can’t be rushed. I’m not looking to sell anything, just present my work and start discussions. The word ‘Mutiny’ derives from old pirate slang, a term for a band of said pirates looking to work for common cause and disrupt the social tides. I guess I’m trying to start a mutiny of sorts.

What advice would you share with another young creative?

Be genuine to yourself. Don’t try to emulate something you’re not or that you don’t truly believe in. Your work will come more naturally if you take inspiration from your own experiences and beliefs. Oh and don’t worry about the business side of things right now. Too many individuals are more focused on sales over design and creative direction, and it shows in the end product. There'll never be a time when we get more creative freedom, use it to its fullest.

Photos: Mutiny Collection 01 “BANDIT”