Hypebeast Flea: Sophie Hird
The London College of Fashion graduate creates upcycled sportswear from vintage game kits.
Designer and London College of Fashion graduate Sophie Hird is on a mission to make full-throttle, football-inspired pieces that aren’t for the faint-hearted.
Having started working with upcycled sportswear, Hird’s made-to-order items have taken on a life of their own in recent times. Whether it’s leather jackets made out of goalie gloves, or jerseys turned into ties, Hird has an eye unlike anyone else working in the football and fashion space right now.
Check out our conversation with Sophie Hird ahead of Hypebeast Flea below. Tickets to Hypebeast Flea are free! Don’t forget to sign up here now.
Hypebeast: Explain your brand to people who may not know you yet.
My brand is a playful approach to upcycling. I started with football shirts, deconstructing them to their bare bones and reconstructing them into something new. I enjoy using everyday items and giving them a new life.
What’s the journey been like from starting your brand, to where you are today?
A rollercoaster! I started working with upcycling sportswear in my final collection at Uni and spent years working full time in pubs/cafes and doing this on the side, so never imagined I’d be self-employed doing this full time! Living in London and trying to pursue a creative career can be tough, so I’m very grateful for Flea organising events like this to showcase upcoming talent.
Flea is going to be hosted for the first time in the UK. How does the UK’s creative community inspire you and your brand?
The UK’s creative community inspires me massively! I feel very lucky to be living in London and being part of the creative hub this city has. The diversity in London is what inspires me the most. People-watching and car-booting always feed me with new ideas.
What have you got planned at Hypebeast Flea?
Lots of stock! It’s an exciting time for me to be part of Hypebeast Flea. I usually work made-to-order, so this will be the first time I’ll be making a batch of stock to sell. Bags, belts, shirts, shorts, I’ll be bringing the lot!
What other vendors are you looking forward to checking out at Hypebeast Flea?
Robyn Lynch, AGR Knit, Clove, and Me Old China!
