Introducing River Island x Real Hackney Dave.
To celebrate the launch of his exclusive AW25 collection with River Island, we caught up with artist Real Hackney Dave about art with attitude, sharing the good vibes and why this collection is going to make people happy.
How would you describe this collection?
A celebration. The messages and images we have created are uplifting and fun, bright and colourful and life is way too short to be beige.
Who do you see wearing these pieces?
I love the idea of anyone who likes the message wearing it. I like to create my art for all people, and I get very excited when it’s not just people who are in to art.
How will you feel seeing people wearing these pieces?
Very proud. People buying my stuff gives me a tingle, it’s always nice to see people liking your work.
How do you want people to feel wearing these pieces?
I want them to feel happy, wearing message-based stuff is a way to connect with friends and strangers, and I find that exciting.
Do you have a favourite piece in the collection and why?
I think the TRUE LOVE NEVER DIES pieces are my favourite, the colours look great and the message really resonates.
What do you think of the cities mentioned in these pieces: what makes them great and do you have any memories of them?
They all have very strong cultural identities and personalities and that city mojo makes them all very unique. I’m a Chelsea fan and have been to all of those cities to support the Chels and even though we often got beaten I never took it personally.
How did you work out which pieces of art you’d use for this collection?
I worked with the team, and we talked about the ‘vibe’ and then I sent a load of stuff over to see how that might inspire the designers working on it. And when they popped into the studio we tried the new city-based stuff, so I have really enjoyed the flow of ideas.
How would you describe your art in general?
I think there is a lot of tension in the world right now, and fashion and art can bring a lot of positivity and happiness. I want anyone that sees my work to feel a minimum of 1% better; a bit happier and a bit more inspired and this collection with River Island will have that effect too.
Describe what you love about screen printing?
It’s messy, and analogue and I can make lots. We all spend too long in the digital world and screen printing is mechanical. My art often starts in a digital place but becomes manual, and that is the real fun: getting inky.