When we met with British photographer Tim Walker late last year to discuss working on a project together, his desire to meet the new generation of creative thinkers in London resonated with what we had been discussing as a team: the idea that in times of political uncertainty it is the arts that unite us, empower us, and ultimately pull us through. So we joined forces and, shooting 135 people over 33 days, set out to celebrate the new generation of fashion designers, models, artists, and musicians who make our great city tick. For Tim, it was an education in the resilient spirit of London creativity: the constantly thriving, mutating, and pulsating heartbeat of the capital itself. For i-D, it was the chance to honor just some of the brilliant people we know and love, and for those photographed the freedom to showcase their talents in their purest, most brilliant forms.
From Charles Jeffrey and his colorful band of LOVERBOY aesthetes, to Matty Bovan, Adwoa Aboah, Dilara Findikoglu, and Rottingdean Bazaar, to Art School, Michael Halpern and Reba and Jess Maybury, these are just some of the new generation of creatives making London one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the world. In her first shoot since departing American Vogue, we also had the honor of welcoming legendary fashion stylist Grace Coddington to the pages of i-D. Grace joined Tim to shoot John Galliano’s highly lauded artisanal collection for Maison Margiela; a triumph of color and emotion. Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, and Rei Kawakubo, who also feature in this issue, are huge inspirations to London’s young designers for their creative genius and renegade spirit, and you can see their influence across the collections.
Collaborating with Tim has been a pleasure from start to finish. The time, energy, and love he pours into his work is totally inspiring to see, and results in a unique spirited energy that leaps off every page. His unique approach is quintessentially British and as bold, brave, and eclectic as the people he’s photographed for these pages. Poignantly, we sent this issue to print on Wednesday, March 29, the day Theresa May triggered ‘Article 50,’ the first step in facilitating Britain’s exit from the EU. While we don’t know what the future holds for Britain, we do know that we need the creative innovators, instigators, and cultural disruptors more than ever; the brave few who are not afraid to speak up and speak out through their art and in doing so, facilitate real change. So choose creativity over fear, self-expression over conformity, and freedom over corporate rules. As the late, great Carrie Fisher said: “Take your broken heart, and turn it into art.” There couldn’t be a better time!
Holly Shackleton, Editor-in-Chief
