From today (13 September), King’s Cross will open the doors to House of Punk – a first of its kind, real-life punk style studio, presenting the hottest punk-inspired looks to help shoppers embrace their rebellious spirit and tap into one of the AW23 season’s biggest trends – PUNK.
The two-week pop-up (Wednesday 13 – Sunday 24 September) will celebrate the iconic aesthetic and attitude of London’s punk subculture, infused with a contemporary twist.
Visitors can stop by the immersive shopping experience where the 10 fully styled looks will captivate imaginations. Armed with newfound inspiration from the curated ensembles, shoppers can then head directly to the shops in King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard to get their hands on the pieces they love in real-time.
King’s Cross, which sat at the heart of Camden and Islington’s thriving 1970s and 80s punk scene, has partnered with leading fashion stylist, Karen Clarkson, who drew her inspiration for the looks from her work with the Vivienne Westwood fashion house, which has seen her become well-versed in the world of punk.
The pop-up helps shoppers tap into the upcoming season’s punk trend, whether they are dipping their toe in for the first time or are die-hard punk fashionistas. Timelessly classic punk-inspired items often found in the bars and clubs of King’s Cross in the ‘70s and ‘80s, like tartan, leather, fishnets and the ever-popular Dr Martens, are fused with modern pieces that embody self-expression and individuality.
With a selection of womenswear, menswear and gender-fluid looks on offer, shoppers can browse several different looks, each curated with pieces from global brands and smaller independents alike, including & Other Stories, American Vintage, BA&SH, Beyond Retro, L’Estrange, A.P.C., Universal Works, Emin & Paul, Rains, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers and Wolf & Badger. Visitors can expect to find pieces that celebrate eclectic dressing and creativity, with newer items mixed in with vintage finds.
The pop-up will be located in KIOSK N1C in Coal Drops Yard, a creative space on Lower Stable Street which has been designed by interior stylist, Ms. Pink. The style studio has been meticulously crafted to reflect the rawness and vibrant energy of British ‘70s and ‘80s punk, ensuring an immersive and authentic experience for shoppers – think vintage vinyl records, powerful punk colour-palettes, metallic studding and more.
Karen Clarkson, Fashion Stylist & House of Punk Fashion Correspondent said: “Punk is synonymous with London style and has had a home here since it emerged as a symbol of anarchy in the late 1970s. Originating as an anti-fashion subculture, where clothes were thrifted, ripped and pinned, Malcolm McClaren and Vivienne Westwood were at the helm. Over the years and decades, the look has been adopted by designers including Versace, Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul-Gaultier, Charles Jeffrey and Moschino and has now been rolled out into fashion as an eternal mood.”
Karen Clarkson goes on to say: “House of Punk is reflective of this north London’s style history. With its mix of contemporary and vintage stores, King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard is the perfect place to shop the trend this upcoming season. House of Punk draws upon the looks seen across London in the 70s and 80s, from leather, denim and silver accents through to the strong and punchy pops of colour notably worn by the time’s punk artists from Poly Styrene and Sioxsie Sioux to Blondie. These looks have been specifically curated to enable everyone to tap into this season’s punk trend, whether your style is naturally punk or you’re thinking of embracing your more rebellious side for the first time.”
Chrissy Cullen, Place Marketing Director said: “House of Punk merges the rebelliousness of punk with contemporary fashion, offering an immersive shopping experience for all. The pop-up pays homage to the enduring punk spirit that was so integral to our part of London throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, from the iconic punk bands who played in our venues, to the expressive punk looks seen on the streets of Camden during that time. Karen Clarkson is a visionary in the world of fashion and we’re excited to have her on board to bring House of Punk to life and celebrate this year’s hottest trend.”
North London was at the centre of the emerging punk movement which reshaped the cultural landscape. King’s Cross became a haven for those seeking to express their individuality during this time, the spirit of which will be emulated in the House of Punk pop-up, but for today’s modern consumer. The Sex Pistols, who are hailed as one of the bands who defined the new punk sound of 1970s London, played their first ever gig at Saint Martin’s School of Art on Charing Cross Road, whilst Vivienne Westwood’s reaction to the 1978 film Jubilee, which was screened in King’s Cross’ The Scala pub, formed her iconic Open t-shirt to Derek Jarman tee.
You can get a sneak peak of some of the looks here.