WHO IS FANTASTIC TOILES? A DEEP DIVE INTO THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE COLLECTIVE: pART 1

Fantastic Toiles is a collective of independent designers and makers who are shaking up the fashion industry with their DIY ethos and creative spirit. Founded by Nasir Mazhar in 2019, the collective aims to empower emerging talents by giving them full control over their production and sales, bypassing the middlemen and gatekeepers of the wholesale system.

Nasir Mazhar

Nasir Mazhar is a designer, maker, and socialist hailing from East London. Born to Turkish Cypriot parents and raised in Leytonstone, Nasir's career has been marked by his unique blend of multicultural energy and the contemporary London aesthetic. Starting out as a hairstylist, he quickly evolved into a designer known for his hats and headwear, which have been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Lauryn Hill. In 2012, he launched his eponymous brand, which over the next five years became a staple in the wardrobes of thousands around the world. He has been nominated for the prestigious LVMH Prize, and his brand was stocked at some of the most respected retailers worldwide, including Slam Jam, Vfiles, and Selfridges. As the founder of Fantastic Toiles, Nasir hand-picks every member of the collective, often giving a new platform to people overlooked by the industry.

JJ Bull

Jamie Bull, also known as 4FSB, is a London-based visual artist and designer known for challenging established social norms through provocative artwork. Employing a playful incorporation of the grotesque, Bull subverts commonplace symbols and aspects of daily life. Embracing social media, the artist provides distorted views of interconnected societies. This unique perspective is showcased through various portraits of manipulated faces, transformed into eerie and ghoulish characters, challenging conventional perceptions.

BAILEY

Bailey is a sculptor and fashion designer whose work explores themes of family, queer identity, and more. Bailey grew up in Portsmouth and graduated from Chelsea College of Art. Their work is deeply personal and touches people in a way difficult to verbalize. Bailey is definitely one to watch!

Benny Andallo

Benny Andallo is another prominent figure in London’s avant-garde fashion scene, drawing inspiration from the city's underground party scene and warehouse raves. Known for his crown-like headwear, Benny has garnered attention and acclaim. His clients include Pink Pantheress, FKA Twigs, Junya Watanabe, and he recently crafted custom hats for Skepta’s Mains fashion line.

ELLEN POPPY

Ellen is an MA Fashion Design graduate from CSM, where she was taught by Fantastic Toiles creator Nasir Mazhar. She currently works as a freelance artist and designer out of her London studio. Ellen uses recycled materials to create unique outfits. Drawing is Ellen's main obsession as she creates characters and dreamscapes inspired by her experience playing Exquisite Corpse growing up

Jonty Mellman

Jonty Kristian Mellmann is a German-British fashion designer known for his bold visuals, elaborate fabrications, and subcultural references. His creations, most notably his hybrid jeans, have been championed by figures like Martine Rose. The majority of Mellmann's designs are one-of-a-kind pieces, often composed of clothing from charity shops, repurposed textiles, and deadstock materials. Mellmann graduated from the University of Westminster's BA (Hons) Fashion Design program in 2020 with his collection. He has also previously worked alongside renowned designers such as Cottweiler and Walter Van Beirendonck.