MEET THE COLLECTIVE

 

Sup! Welcome to TEN OF CLUBS. We're an independent design collective of alternative music fans. We've been making sweet threads for alt rockers and metalheads since 2021.

Here's where we introduce you to our brilliant team: the TEN OF CLUBS COLLECTIVE. Next to be probed for your pleasure is top model, beautiful soul, raggedy man and barber, Charlie.

For sexy boots, garlic tendrils and a 3-legged princess, read on! ♣︎ 

Please introduce yourself.

Hi, I’m Charlie. I’m 22 years old and, for the star sign people, I’m a Virgo. I’m a model for TEN OF CLUBS.

As well as getting my photo taken, I help out 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’s changed my life forever.

 

Which is your favourite of 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. 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 your TOC garms?

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 enjoy gardening - it's just garlic. I don’t know if that’s a quirk.

 

Yeah, that's quirky. 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 ‘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?

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 couple of magazines. 

And three, I make a mean cheese toastie.

 

What's something you think everyone should do at least once?

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 fears or phobias 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. 

March 2022 

 

♣︎︎ Thanks for reading. Read more or shop now.

We're an award-winning alternative clothing brand and independent design collective. A share does to the designer each time you shop with us. It's why we tell you who designed each item we sell.

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THE TEN OF CLUBS COLLECTIVE ♣︎