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As a Golden Globe award–winning actor, acclaimed DJ, and hip-hop musician, Idris Elba is frequently classed as a creative polymath—and that s not including the addition of his latest endeavour: fashion designer. Last night, the warm and charismatic Hackney-born star descended on Superdry s colossal flagship store in the heart of Central London to reveal his buzzed-about fall 2015 collaboration with the aforesaid British streetwear brand.
"It’s a real honor to be here this evening. I’m no style expert, but I had a desire to have an influence in fashion and I think that this partnership is the start of something special," he explained during a quiet moment away from the swelling crowd, while gently tugging on the neckline of a sleek black cashmere sweater from his new venture.
Superdry + Idris Elba—available online and in stores stateside from November 2015—is a substantial 250-piece premium menswear collection that has been speedily but seamlessly assembled in just eight months. “We had to work quickly to produce something this big,” says Elba. “But every detail and fabrication is totally elevated. I ve been immersed in the process with [design director] James [Holder] from the start and it’s been amazing.”
Elba’s easy, urban-suave signature style resonates throughout the versatile line of structured bomber jackets, two-tone wool blazers, ultra-soft cashmere-mix sweats, and hooded sweaters emblazoned with giant IE logos. “These are 24-hour clothes that guys can look and feel great in from work to dinner and play,” he says, gesturing to a rail of smart, charcoal-colored denim jeans. “That was the aim from the start, and I feel we’ve achieved it.”