Standard of Kerr

To anyone who follows the dance/electronic scene, you may know him better as Mount Palomar. To us, he is Neil Kerr. A true character who entered our realm a good seven years ago. In his own words, Neil is first and foremost, a musician, but it goes without saying, he equally holds his own as artist, photographer and filmmaker. One look at his work and Una knew a collaboration was on the cards. His vision met ours in that moment. We were ready to step away from the traditional fashion scene and explore something that felt more artistic, that had more meaning. And so, spawned the campaign for our AW13/14 collection.

Location was everything in capturing the mood, and who could have thought, at just a stone’s throw from the studio, would be this mesmerising set at the Gasworks. Full of beautiful shapes and textures coupled with the grittiness of industry and time. A perfect backdrop, styled with an ecclectic assortment of oddities from Neil’s personal collection, adding just the right amount of macabre.

The Polaroids were shot alongside two videos, not only directed and edited by Neil, but featuring hauntingly beautiful music, also written and performed by him.

Deciding to take a step away from the catwalk and hoping to help foster a more diverse and cosmopolitan aspect to the already well-established Belfast Fashion Week, we would launch to a select group of clients and press, with a live installation of models in the Meter House, projecting the films on the walls. Our ambition was to present something a little more avant garde, transcending expectations of our small city. If nothing else, it invigorated us and reminded us of our true passion.

Following the success of our initial campaign, we quickly set to work on our next offering for the Spring/Summer. A body of work entitled, “Usine” took industrial to a more modern warehouse setting, in the form of a concrete pump facility, images of which are instantly recognisable throughout the website.

Although this alliance is yet to be rekindled to the public realm, there is always a project on the back burner. As everyone, life and other commitments tend to come in the way of best intentions, but rest assured the combination of Una Rodden and Neil Kerr will be seen again.

Photography, Set Design, Video and Music: Neil Kerr

Models: Melissa Elliott, Caroline Taylor, Nuala Meenehan, Laurina Kennedy, Zara Shaw

Hair: Andrew Mulvenna

Make-Up: D.J. Griffin