Howlin' and DJ Harvey Stitch Mid-70's Mayhem Into New "PUNX NOT DAD" Collaboration

Antwerp-based knitwear brand, Howlin’, has just presented a new collaborative capsule with the legendary DJ Harvey, with the duo revealing a slew of high-quality knitwear designs under the collection name: “PUNX NOT DAD.”

Born in London, DJ Harvey is one of the world’s most respected and influential DJs, beginning his career in the ’80s after being inspired by a trip to New York. Ever since, Harvey has built up a steady reputation as one of the most electrifying DJ’s on the dance music circuit and quickly became one of the most in-demand performers in the industry.

While performing across the world, Harvey covers a melange of music genres from the big bang movements of hip-hop, acid house, and Balearic to garage, through to the contemporary bangers of today.

Harvey’s unique approach to style and music often dips into his punk rock roots – the essence of which is encapsulated throughout his new collection with Howlin’. Since the launch of Howlin’ in 2009, the brand has continued to unveil playful designs that are crafted with care and quality. Offering knitted scarves, shaggy waistcoats clean-cut cardigans, and more, each Howlin’ garment is individually manufactured and hand-finished by traditionally skilled craftsmen from Scotland, Ireland, or Belgium, using the highest quality yarns possible.

DJ Harvey’s inherent British cheek is central to this new collaboration, with the pair cooking up a selection of hand-sprayed, premium mohair/alpaca knit cardigans made in Italy. The standout piece from the range is a signature folding, studded gimp mask arrives alongside a couple of tees,  based on Harvey’s own leather number, that eschews any sort of quality compromise – in typically charismatic DJ Harvey style.

To discover more about what went into the limited-edition collection, Hypebeast caught up with DJ Harvey to chat about his longevity in the game, his international inspirations and what’s getting him excited while he’s travelling the world these days. Read on for an edited transcript.

Take a closer look at the new “PUNX NOT DAD” collection from DJ Harvey and Howlin’ above – and purchase it now via Howlin’s website and select retailers including SSENSE, Bonjour Records, Union and Goodhood now. 

Hypebeast: How did the collaboration with Howlin’ come about?

DJ Harvey: Initially, they reached out to us to offer some items of clothing for me to wear and I really liked them – then they brought up the collaboration. We talked over a few ideas online and then they came out to my night, Pikes, in Ibiza and met the whole gang. We’re a family business and the whole family liked them, we got along famously.

How would you describe your usual dress sense? 

I’d say Neo-classical.

You’ve managed to maintain serious longevity in the game. What specifically would you put that down to?

An English accent, a sense of style, and a cheeky grin.

Other than clothing, what’s getting you excited these days?

Motorcycles, because I’ve just bought the first brand-new motorbike I’ve ever owned. It’s a Harley Davidson Lowrider ST with 131 motor built by the legendary George Bryce of Star Racing. I own a few classic motorbikes primarily but this is the first brand-new bike I’ve ever owned.

The designs are pretty out there for this collection, especially for Howlin’s usual output. Did they allow you to get trippy with it?

Yes pretty much, they were really into realizing all of our ideas in the highest quality way possible. Harley, who helps design the pieces for all of the Harvey’s General Store, collaborations had the idea for the gimp mask beanie for quite some time, we tried to make that item a few years back for a prior collab.

It’s inspired by my actual leather gimp mask, the detail on it is incredible, the studs, the mouthpiece zipper, and the detachable patch you can attach to any item, it can be worn as a simple beanie or as a full face balaclava. All the items are really well made and of great quality. Howlin’ has been really cool about all our ideas and really helped us manifest them.

You’re a firmly international DJ these days. Have any places you’ve visited recently informed this collection?

It’s more drawing on my past, and all the places I’ve visited, or lived, it’s a reflection on a mid-70s vibe, rather than anything I’ve seen in recent times.

Which part of the world do you get the most inspiration from?

Everywhere I go, I pick a little something up to be honest, I’m constantly inspired wherever I go, in all that I do. Harley is really in touch and like most young people, inspired by other people all over the world that he interacts with in the digital realm.

Have you got anything exciting cooking in the pipeline we should know about?

I’m working on new material for The Wildest Dreams and we’ll have a single in the not-to-distant future and then an album, my electronic project Locussolus are also bubbling under right now working on next year’s Christmas #1 [laughs]. Then on the club front, I’m opening my own club in Bali — it’s part of Potatohead and named Klymax Discotech. I’ve been involved in every aspect of the design and build and we’re opening on New Years Eve.