Meet the Collective: Charlie
Here’s the next instalment in our series introducing you to each of us: the Ten of Clubs Collective.
You’ll learn about what each of us does, what inspires us, our likes and dislikes, and other moist titbits. Enjoy!
Please introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Charlie. I’m 22 years old and, for the star sign people, I’m a Virgo. I don’t know what that says about me. I’m a model for Ten of Clubs. As well as getting my photo taken, I help with packing orders, stocktaking, stuff like that.
Do you work anywhere else?
Yeah, I’m an apprentice barber. I'm training with the amazing Mercedes Paginton: British Master Barber of the Year 2021. Shout out to ‘cedes! I’m learning so much; not just how to cut hair, but also about business, and how to talk to customers to understand exactly what they want to achieve with their style. I love it. It has its perks and it’s changed my life forever.
What’s your favourite from the items Ten of Clubs makes and sells?
I’ve got a couple, but the one I’ve been rocking mostly is the Bone Heads Tee. I find it pairs with everything. I often wear it with a contrasting undershirt, but I’m not really cool enough to give fashion advice!
What other clothing brands do you like?
I’m a raggedy man and I scuff a lot of my stuff, so my clothes must be able to take a beating. I love my Doc Martens because they are just a sexy boot and they last forever. Longevity matters. And Saint Laurent leather jackets are sick.
What’s the best item of clothing you own, not including Ten of Clubs garms?
I have an awesome patched denim jacket that I love. Also, I couldn’t live without my flannel shirt.
Now, to really get to know you and probe your secret areas, some quick-fire questions randomly selected by the TOC-2000 supercomputer.
What quirks or peculiar habits do you have?
I absolutely hate the tendrils that grow out of the bottom of garlic. They make me want to be sick! It’s only garlic that has this effect on me. It’s not plants in general - I enjoy gardening - it's just garlic. I don’t know if that’s a quirk. I have a lot of weird habits, or so people tell me.
What’s your favourite movie?
The Lost Boys: a cheesy ‘80s movie about cool vampires, including Kiefer Sutherland. Need I say more?
Other than The Lost Boys, what would you rate 10 out of 10?
Brody Dalle – she’s an Australian singer/songwriter – in the music video for the song ‘Drain the Blood’ by The Distillers. You’ve got to see her in that video.
What skill would you like to master?
Definitely barbering. I’ve come to learn it’s truly an art form that takes dedication, time, and practice. Being fluent in sign language would also be pretty sick.
What movie title best describes your life?
Edward Scissorhands.
Very good! Do you have any pets?
Yeah, my faithful companion is Maya: a 3-legged princess! She’s a beautiful 3-year-old black Labrador. She keeps me going. She had to have her leg amputated after she mangled it falling into a rabbit hole. Her temperament's like mine: she's wary of strangers, but once she gets to know you there's no dog more loyal and loving.
What’s the best way to start the day?
Cup of tea. No debate.
And how do you relax after a busy day at work?
I put some tunes on, pour myself a drink, and melt away. Everyone needs some chill time.
What’s your favourite drink?
Easy. Rum.
What kind of art do you enjoy most?
I like art that’s emotional and quite dark. There’s an art installation [in the Guggenheim Museum, New York] called ‘Can’t Help Myself’ by Sun Yuan and Peng Yu. That’s probably my favourite piece. It’s this industrial robot that is constantly trying to stop this pool of blood red liquid from spreading across the floor. It’s all about mechanisation, vulnerability, and futility. As I said, dark.
What TV shows are you into?
I’ll watch anything if it has a good storyline. To be honest, I mostly just re-watch Futurama and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Quality!
Who’s your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Probably Lil Peep, or XXXTentacion. Or The Distillers. Or Nirvana.
What’s your most annoying habit?
Procrastination, most definitely. Always put off till tomorrow what you could do today.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. The bond Lennie and George have, the journey they go on, and how their relationship changes over time, is very relatable. That story really touched me.
Tell us three interesting facts about yourself.
One - I was completely deaf until I was a couple of years old because I had meningitis when I was a baby. Two - I’ve modelled for a couple of magazines. And three - I make a mean cheese toastie.
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?
Shave your head. It’s like shedding your skin. It totally changes how you look and how you feel about yourself. It’s good to reinvent yourself. And if you don’t want to be bald, just change your look. Get new clothes. Change your style. Be who you want to be.
What irrational fear/phobia do you have?
I don’t think it’s irrational, but rollercoasters. To me there’s no pleasure in wanting to throw your guts up!
What is something you will NEVER do again?
Drink vodka. And no, I’m not going to elaborate.
The interrogation is over. Any final words?
I’m just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe. Understand that and we can be friends.
♣︎︎ Thanks for reading. Read more or shop now.
Sup. We're a design collective of young artists. Defiantly alternative and passionate about music - alt rock, metal, hardcore - we've been creating fresh apparel and unique wall art since 2021.
From graphic tees, long sleeves, hoodies and headwear, to art prints, hand-painted skateboards and more, we help you express your individual style.
A share of the proceeds goes straight to the designer each time you shop with us. It’s why we tell you who designed each item we sell.
Stay cool and spread the word ♣︎