MEET THE COLLECTIVE

Sup! Here's where we introduce you to our beautiful team, the TOC COLLECTIVE.

Next to be probed for your pleasure, in this no-holds-barred interview, is our top model, barber, raggedy man and beautiful soul, Charlie. For garlic tendrils, sexy boots and a 3-legged princess, read on!

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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. 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’s changed my life forever.

Do you have a favourite TEN OF CLUBS item?

I’ve got a couple, but the one I’ve been rocking mostly is the Bone Heads Tee. It pairs with everything. I often wear it with a contrasting undershirt, but I’m not really cool enough to be giving 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.

Not including TOC garms, what’s the best item of clothing?

I have an awesome patched denim jacket that I love. Also, I couldn’t live without my flannel shirt.

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 actually quite enjoy gardening. It's just garlic. I don’t know if that’s a quirk. 

Well, it's certainly unusual. What’s your favourite movie?

The Lost Boys. It's a cheesy ‘80s movie about cool vampires, with 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 and songwriter. Watch her in the music video for ‘Drain the Blood’ by The Distillers. You have got to see her in that video!

Roger that. 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?

Yes, my faithful companion, Maya. She’s a beautiful 3-year-old black Labrador and 3-legged princess. 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.

Can't beat a brew. How do you relax after a busy day?

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's 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 few magazines. 

And three: I make a mean cheese toastie.

That is true. What's something you think everyone should do at least once in their life?

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. Change your look. Get new clothes. Change your style. Be who you want to be. 

Well said. What irrational fears or phobias do you have?

I don’t think it’s irrational, but rollercoasters. There is 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. 

March 2022 

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