Founded in 1922 in Texas, Dickies had long established itself as a brand for workers. The durable heavy duty staples ensured manual labourers of all descriptions could get to work in comfort, with confidence that work attire was made to last. These same characteristics made Dickies the go-to uniform of choice for skaters, breakers, graffiti artists, bmx'ers and basically anyone who needed to ensure their clothes could endure constant rough and tumble. The boxy fit of a lot of the classic silhouettes ensured wearers still had freedom of movement for everything from kick flips to windmills. Most of the fashion we see today follows the through line of clothes being made for practicality, adopted by a subculture for said practicality, then the cool factor of that subculture making practical clothes fashionable. Tracksuits, running shoes, aviator jackets, baseball caps and so the list goes on. 

This story has taken Dickies a long from Texas, to the city of Derby in the East Midlands. Where Dickies has acted as a canvas for creativity across different pockets of youth culture. Trinity Warriors (one the U.K.'s most influential breaking crews) donned Dickies 3/4 shorts and work shirts during their iconic 2008 win on the World BBOY championship stage. Since then generations of people have built lasting friendships and formed familial bonds through the city's legacy of dance. One beneficiary of their positive impact is breaker Mac who reps Ill Warriorz. Derby's skate culture is equally foundational to the strong community feel amongst our youth. The once plain white Dickies coord has become a tapestry of intricate characters navigating a surrealist avant-garde landscape hand painted by the city's own Zah Zah Binks (real name Brandon Morris). The artist and long time skater has been part of Derby's skate scene from childhood to adolescence, avidly wearing Dickies along the way. The process was captured by Derby adoptee Ell Cheatle who has been making waves across styling and video direction since moving to the city. 

Model: Mac

Creative direction, photography and article: Martyn Ewoma

Artwork: Zah Zah Binks

DOP: Ell Cheatle

Shot at Boardroom Studios