Back in 1973 The New York Times featured an article whose headline was The T-Shirt Has Become the Medium for a Message. Some 50 years later, I’ve gathered a selection of photographs I’ve taken in the last 18 months or so where text on clothing have caught my attention; the words and language providing an insight, voicing what might be otherwise unsaid.
This blog is the first in a new series on individual style and identity. As I go through my image archives, I realise that I can break down the different genres into sub-groups, some of which are quite specific. Documenting examples of how people express themselves through clothing, accessories, hair, and more permanent visual designs such as tattoos, these sub-groups merit their own dedicated instalment.
The other day in Soho a man in a fuchsia coloured fedora hat was walking down the middle of Frith Street. But it was his T shirt that really grabbed my attention:
The combination of humour and probably more than a grain of truth brought to mind another T shirt that made me smile. Below, a portrait of a fellow salsa dancer who goes by the name of Bungle, taken at the Hyde Park Bandstand:
Next, a couple more portraits taken at salsa dance events where the T shirt wording has caught my eye. Below, Djibril, whose T shirt conveys a more cryptic message, perhaps a sign of the times:
Above, a dancer in Kings Cross. I like the fact the words are in inverted commas. Perhaps a subtle, updated reference to the iconic 80’s T shirt FRANKIE SAYS RELAX, designed by Katherine Hammett?
Next, I asked this big, bearded chap sporting a top with the words MAN BEAST whether I could take his portrait:
Below, my husband Stephen wearing a T Shirt where the text challenges the stigma and stereotypes around masculinity and mental health:
I shot the following images at an Awards Ceremony organised by the Advantages of Age in November 2023 (where I had the honour to be nominated in the category of late emerging artist). These clothes, designed by Suzi Warren feature brightly coloured phrases which subvert the stereotypes of desirability. In her own words “Rise up ye hags! Reclaim the pejorative words used to dismiss older women”.
Next some shots where the wording expresses appreciation, love and positivity:
Finally, literally wearing a heart on one’s sleeve, this reference to the classic Beatle’s song. The concept of spreading messages of love through clothing is one that appeals to me:
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