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Driven by details

29 March 2021

Behind the seams of our Williams Racing collection.

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This year we're incredibly proud to be an Official Supplier for Williams Racing. Alongside the cars and the drama, the kit is of the upmost importance so we've designed a capsule collection of detail-driven classics. Featuring tees, polos, dresses and more, the pieces are perfect for everything from race day to sprinting to the supermarket.

We chat to the designer behind the collection, Rob Wallace, and take a trip behind the seams...

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What was your inspiration behind the designs? We love all the hidden details.

Inspiration for the range came from Williams Racing itself. It's an iconic British name not just within motorsport but globally. The Grand Prix was always on the TV growing up, so I had a personal frame of reference to draw from and there's a lot of bold graphic imagery which gave me the idea for the colour blocking, instantly recognisable racing stripes and tonal prints. I wanted the range to have a sleek edge to it and to make sure signature elements, such as the chequered flag and chicane, were carried across the range.

Can you talk us through the collection? What is your favourite piece?

For the collection we wanted to offer classic Crew silhouettes with a motor racing twist. We created a new logo for the range - changing the crossed oars into crossed chequered flags. I wanted the clothes to retain the classic Crew aesthetic but with added sportswear detailing like the contrast piping. I'd have to say one of my favourites is the chicane colour blocked polo. It takes our classic polo and gives it a strong new look with asymmetrical panelling.

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With Crew there are key silhouettes and Formula One brings its own prestige and glamour, so I wanted to offer some elevated pieces that combined the heritage of both.

How did you bring together elements of Crew and elements of Formula One?

Bringing together the DNA of two brands to create something new is always an exciting challenge. With Crew there are key silhouettes and Formula One brings its own prestige and glamour, so I wanted to offer some elevated pieces that combined the heritage of both. I combined our classic dark navy with Williams Racing's signature electric blue to work as a base for my colour palette. It all began to flow from there!

I was able to obtain a great technical drawing of the Williams Racing Formula One team car to recreate for the kids' graphic tee which was fantastic and a nice authentic touch.

Do you have a sporting fashion moment that's particularly iconic for you?

As a sportswear designer I think the 1980 Wimbledon final between Björn Borg and John McEnroe is one of the most iconic moments. Both players' attire - Bjorn Borg in his classic Fila and McEnroe in his signature Sergio Tacchini - stand out in my mind. Both are also proudly rocking the long hair and colourful terry headbands that so bewitched tennis pros in the early 80's.

And finally, is there a Formula One moment that stands out?

For Formula One I would say the heyday of the 1960s. They gave us racing legends such as James Hunt, Mario Andretti and Sir Jackie Stewart, all of whom brought sartorial style to race days. I really hope I brought a taste of that magic to the collection for Crew.