Nicole Khalani, 30, London. Danielle Kahlani, 30, London
What do you do? Nicole: Freelance hairstylist.
Danielle: Makeup artist.
Why is it important that people register to vote? Nicole: So that a fair vote is counted. All opinions are taken into account, from all generations and class backgrounds.
Danielle: It gives you the power to choose how the UK is run.
Why are you Vote Remain? Nicole: The freedom to work in Europe!
Danielle: Work and education — and the freedom to do them abroad.
What’s the best thing about Britain being in the EU? Nicole: Accepting a wide variety of nationalities into the country, keeping London one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Danielle: Equal rights by the EU standards. No discrimination.
Can/should fashion be political? Both: Yes.
@nicolekahlani @daniellekahlani
Louis Harris-Fry, 18, Bromley
What do you do? Student.
Why is it important that people register to vote? So that all views can be considered and represented.
Why are you Vote Remain? Because of the benefits to the economy.
What do you say to those who want to leave the EU? Britain isn’t an empire anymore, we’re stronger united.
What’s the best thing about Britain being in the EU? Trade and employment.
If you were a politician, what would you do differently? More gentrification.
Can/should fashion be political? Yes, fashion is freedom of expression.
@pimp_decisions
Luke Dylan Storey, 28, London
What do you do? DJ, designer.
Why is it important that people register to vote? It improves functional representation.
Why are you Vote Remain? So we can travel hassle free, and for free trade throughout the EU, which is good for entrepreneurs.
What would you like to say anyone wanting us to leave the EU? Why?
What’s the best thing about Britain being in the EU? Trade and work.
If you were a politician, what would you do differently? To have more voices heard.
Can/should fashion be political? Yes!
@luke__storey
Steve Salter, 32, London via Kent
What do you do? Digital Editor at i-D.
Why is it important that people register to vote? So much of what happens in the world of politics is beyond our control — this isn’t. All that can, should use their power! Don’t let your grandparents or the aging politicians in Westminster decide your future!
Why are you Vote Remain? EU membership ensures a democratic worldview, human rights protection, and cooperation over confrontation. I’ve yet to hear a single sensible argument to persuade otherwise.
What would you like to say anyone wanting us to leave the EU? It’s a flawed and problematic institution at times but don’t ignore the positives. Campaign for change, rather than leap into the unknown.
If you were a politician, what would you do differently? Look, listen, and learn far beyond SW1.
Can/should fashion be political? In the right hands.
@steve_salter
Thelma Speirs, 57, UK. Peter Jensen, 47, Denmark
What do you do? Thelma: Designer, running Bernstock Speirs.
Peter: Fashion designer.
Why is it important that people register to vote? Thelma: Our voices must be heard!!
Peter: Because you get the right to moan if you vote; if you don’t, just shut up.
Why are you Vote Remain? Thelma: Personally, I feel that I am European and I know many people in the fashion business who work in Europe.
Peter: Because I’m not an idiot.
What’s the best thing about Britain being in the EU? Peter: You can go anywhere you want to live, study, visit, learn from other great countries, export and import, etc.
Are there any changes you’d like to see? Peter: No, I think England has it pretty easy in the EU. So STOP MOANING!
What would you like to say anyone wanting us to leave the EU? Thelma: Think!
Peter: Go away!
Can/should fashion be political? Thelma: Everyone should stand up for what they believe in.
Peter: At times.
@bernstockspeirs @peterjensenltd
James Hutchins, 26, London
What do you do? DJ, Music Content Platform Manager at i-D.
Why is it important that people register to vote? So that people have a chance to have their voice count towards something that affects them, forever! Even if you don’t know how you’re gonna vote, you should still get registered so you can have a chance.
Why are you Vote Remain? So we can freely travel to some of the incredible dance floors in Spain, Germany, France, Holland, and beyond. Plus, I would like the chance for more people to freely be able to come over here and dance.
What would you like to say anyone wanting us to leave the EU? What is wrong with you? And which one of you fools came up with the word ‘Brexit’?
If you were a politician, what would you do differently? I’d lower rent and stop making bullshit promises. I would also grant every club their late night license application.
Can/should fashion be political? I have come to learn that absolutely everything is political.
@djhutch
Liam Hodges, 27, Kent
What do you do? Fashion designer.
Why is it important that people register to vote? It is so important as its the only way democracy will work, it’s our right — something many people fought for — and it is a luxury others are not afforded.
Why are you Vote Remain? Personally, as a small business owner, it makes sense. I work with factories in the EU and sell to stores in the EU, so for my trade it is helpful and important. For the UK, I think it’s important we remain as we’ve seen the lack of power one government has against multinational businesses and tax evasion. I think it’s also important to remember that the EU has helped bring peace to a Europe that was largely at war previously.
What would you like to say anyone wanting us to leave the EU? I think there are some issues that may push people toward leaving, but these are things that can be worked out and controlled. The bigger picture is that a UK outside of the EU is not going to be able to thrive the way it has for so many years within it.
What’s the best thing about Britain being in the EU? The best things I have seen directly and benefited from myself are the freedom to travel, study, and work abroad as well as the EU government funds that get put into the arts here in the UK.
Can/should fashion be political? I think it automatically is; whether you’re putting slogans on a catwalk or something more subliminal, politics is a large part of everyday life. It’s hard for fashion not to be political, unless it doesn’t have an opinion.
@liam__hodges
Tori West, 23, London
What do you do? Social Editor i-D, Editor and Creator of Bricks Magazine
What’s the best thing about Britain being in the EU? Having the freedom to study anywhere within Europe.
If you were a politician, what would you do differently? Stop ignoring the refugee crisis and prioritize those who have been displaced by war over economic migrants.
Can/should fashion be political? I believe fashion is a communication tool that should inspire, motivate and empower, but more importantly, highlight political issues which may otherwise be ignored.
@toriwest
Lily Bertrand-Webb, 27, west London
What do you do? Photographer.
Why is it important that people register to vote? We have the power to make things happen. It’s the perfect chance to speak out.
Why are you Vote Remain? We can’t afford to put British jobs at risk.
What’s the best thing about Britain being in the EU? Unity. Freedom. Harmony. Family. Peace.
And the worst? Are there any changes you’d like to see? Lack of loyalty and support from neighboring countries. The crisis in Greece shows that for the EU project to work, there needs to be complete political and economic integration.
If you were a politician, what would you do differently? Make voting compulsory.
Can/should fashion be political? Yes it can. Wear it, show it, support it, love it.
@lilybw
Stephen Isaac-Wilson, 25, London
What do you do? Filmmaker
Why is it important that people register to vote? So we stay connected.
Why are you Vote Remain? Because boys in Europe are cute.
What do you say to those who want to leave the EU? Read more.
What’s the best thing about Britain being in the EU? Getting to live and work in Europe.
If you were a politician, what would you do differently? Listen more.
Can/should fashion be political? Yes.
@stepheniw
Alexandre Simoes, 21, Lisbon
What do you do? Study fine art.
Why is it important that people register to vote? Don’t let people decide for you and remember, the right to vote wasn’t always in our hands.
Why are you Vote Remain? I’m not entitled to vote, but I don’t want to go back home. Please don’t make me!
What’s the best thing about Britain being in the EU? Freedom of travel.
If you were a politician, what would you do differently? In general, I’d support the people more.
Can/should fashion be political? It’s not as much as it should be.
@alexbasim
Credits
Photography Holly Falconer
Assistants: Eddie Blagbrough, Amber Tanc
Thanks to Wolfgang Tillmans, Protein Studios, Labyrinth Photographic and everyone who answered our open call.