Meet Lance, the Fruit Selling Dad Who Loves Supreme Just as Much as You

For those who have the time to line up at Supreme‘s Soho, London location every Thursday, chances are that you would have seen a man in his mid-50s selling fruit at his stall more often than not, he’s dressed head to toe in Supreme. Meet Lance Walsh, father of three and selling fruit at his Berwick Street stand for about 30 years. Since 2012, the hard-working man has been collecting coveted pieces from the brand and has now amassed over 50 pieces that most would be jealous of. From the latest Lacoste collab and The North Face specials, to the regular but still highly sought-after box logo hooded sweaters, Lance has built up quite the reputation for his youthful aesthetic. He has become somewhat of a tourist attraction due to how he can always be seen wearing the newest pieces, while his occupation as a fruit vendor almost juxtaposes the contemporary mentality of how Supreme is meant to be worn. We caught up with Walsh and had a chat to get a bit more insight into his interests and how his relationship with the brand kicked off.

How long have you had your fruit store?

I’ve owned my fruit store off Berwick Street, Soho for 30 odd years.

Why is it located in Soho?

I worked on a flower stall when I was 10 years old, so it’s where I spent a lot of my time as a young one.

When did you start collecting Supreme?

I started to collect supreme clothing about 3-4 years ago.

Before or after the London store opened?

After the London store opened, when Jagger (@mrjagger_) took over the store.

You’re a father of three, are your children into Supreme at all?

My son very much likes the clothing that I own, and he takes a lot of it when he visits me!

How did you get into the brand?

Jagger gave me a ushanka hat one day when I was freezing cold and ever since then, I started to get into it.

Are you friends with the London store manager Jagger? Does he help you with new drops?

Yeah I am good friends with Jagger, he helps me out now and then.

Do people shopping at your stall ever notice you wearing the trendiest apparel?

All the time, a lot of people come along and ask for photos, people from all over the world (Los Angeles, Asia, Russia, the list goes on).

What’s your favorite Supreme piece?

The Faux Fur Bomber Jacket which released at the start of the season.

How do you feel when you put on a piece?

“Supreme.”

Do you ever worry about getting your gear dirty when working at the stall?

No, not really, I’m very careful when wearing the clothing.

What’s one piece you want that you haven’t been to get your hands on yet?

The Supreme x Kate Moss T-Shirt which released in Spring/Summer 2012.

Photographer: @ben_awin/HYPEBEAST