London, Straight-Up!

In 1977 on the Kings Road, Terry Jones commissioned Steve Johnston to photograph London punks against a wall and called it a Straight-Up. The format quickly became an i-D staple and a bible of global personal style. To celebrate i-D’s relaunch, we went back to where it all began to take the temperature of London style right here, right now.

Get to know them below and also check out the rest of our Worldwi-De Straight-Ups in New York, Accra, Paris and Tokyo.

Charlotte, 31
What do you do? I’m a hairdresser. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? Hopefully in another country. The secret to happiness is… Finding it in the smallest of things.

Skye, 31
What do you do? I’m a model. What song do you have on repeat? “It’s Been a Week” by Debbie. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? Surrounded by community, chosen family and the best version of myself professionally and personally. The secret to happiness is… Gratitude, self preservation and appreciation of the present moment.

Tim, 27
What do you love about London? When you live somewhere long enough you start to understand what community means and you feel like you belong in it. Also Banke’s Kitchen is really good for Nigerian food! If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Serena van der Woodsen. The secret to happiness is… Freshly baked miso cookies.

Guste, 20
What do you do? I’m a videographer. What are you wearing from head to toe? Salomons, vintage shorts, Dickies T-shirt and my mum’s bag. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Probably any white men that are doing well in the creative industry because I wanna know what it feels like for them. What does change mean to you? Growing up.

Dora, 23
What do you do? I have just finished studying at art school in the Netherlands. What are you wearing from head to toe? I’m wearing a pair of pink fishnets I cut up to make stockings. My top and various other things were collected from friends and second-hand finds.

Anita & Charlie, both 24
What do you do? Fashion and Textiles students. What are you wearing from head to toe? A: I actually just bought this dress, it’s vintage Cop Copine. Wearing it with my mum’s jeans. What song do you have on repeat? A: “Amphetamine Freak” by Vladimir Dubyshkin. What do you love about where you live? A: I like London because it’s lively but the main reason we’re here is for school, connections and resources.

Ames Allen-King, 26
What do you love about where you live? London has a lot more culture available at your fingertips than Los Angeles does. It feels like a better place to be a young person. What does change mean to you? It’s best to keep an open mind and to be unafraid to go out of your comfort zone.

Jamie, 33
What do you do? I’m a photographer. What are you wearing from head to toe? Almost all Our Legacy and some vintage YSL shoes. What do you love about London? I just moved here so I’m still figuring it out, but I love being able to walk everywhere. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? Pretty far away from people… I’m trying to get out of here! The secret to happiness is… Saunas.

Yuan, 23
What do you love about London? Inclusivity. London is the most inclusive city I’ve ever been to. The secret to happiness is… New clothes. What does change mean to you? Exciting things.

George, 65
What do you do? Nothing really. What do you love about London? I don’t particularly love it but I have to stay here. The secret to happiness is… There isn’t one. Why do you think I’m happy? I’m alright. What does change mean to you? I’ve only got a one pound coin!