The Slate Inspires Top British Fashion Designer to Create Exclusive Gender-Fluid Streetwear Collection, “THE SLATE X FRED”
This Is Fred, the pioneering clothing label from London, has been influenced by Bill Bensley’s original architecture and industrial installations to create a new unisex collection in Phuket, as this avant-garde resort continues to push the boundaries of art and design
The Slate, the whimsical resort on Phuket’s secluded northwest coast, is no stranger to avant-garde art and high fashion. Conceived by Bill Bensley, the maverick architect and interior designer, this eclectic retreat transports travellers into a world of dramatic dreamscapes, with original installations and sculptures that reflect the area’s rich industrial heritage. It is little wonder that this remarkable resort is a member of the illustrious Design Hotels collection.
Now, The Slate is showcasing its creative credentials once again by collaborating with This Is Fred, an innovative and edgy London fashion label. Crafted by British designer Frederick (Fred) Morrison, who has presented his collections at the prestigious Paris and Berlin fashion weeks, This Is Fred produces pioneering gender-fluid urban wear, with striking designs that are inspired by the angularity of architectural forms and the fluidity of natural shapes.
From London to Phuket: This Is Fred specialises in avant-garde unisex streetwear, inspired by the angularity of architectural forms
Under the new collaboration, The Slate and This Is Fred have created this exclusive “THE SLATE X FRED” collection, which is influenced by The Slate’s own bold architecture and interiors. Based upon Bill Bensley’s aesthetic vision of monochrome accents and the convergence of hard and soft silhouettes, each hand-stitched item features black and white stripes that appear almost magically when the cloth is in movement. The unisex collection comprises trousers, tops, ponchos, jackets and more.
This unique partnership gives guests and local residents the opportunity to view and buy This Is Fred’s stylish streetwear in Thailand for the very first time. The collection will be exhibited at Shades, The Slate’s bright gallery space, from 11th November 2021 onwards, and each piece will be available for purchase at The Stockroom, the property’s online and onsite retail stores.
“I discovered Fred in Shoreditch, a very creative and artistic area in East London where you can find one-of-a-kind vintage shops and independent fashion labels. I always prefer small independent brands to well-known international ones. His geometric cut and shape, use of materials and the gender-fluidity of the brand immediately reminded me of The Slate,” commented the resort’s co- founder and owner, Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong (known to her friends as Khun Moo).
“This Is Fred has a similar brand philosophy to The Slate. Our brands have an avant-garde approach and a very bold way of thinking. I invited Fred and his partner to stay at The Slate at the beginning of 2020, just before the pandemic, to discuss our collaboration. Fred was very much inspired by the resort’s architectural attributes and we decided to create THE SLATE X FRED collection together.”
Born in Scotland, Fred has been surrounded by fashion all his life. Having qualified in Design & Manufacturing from Glasgow’s Cardonald College, he moved to London to attend the prestigious Italian fashion school, Istituto Marangoni, and went on to work with acclaimed designers such as Rick Owens and Gareth Pugh before creating his own label.
This sartorial collaboration represents yet another milestone in The Slate’s mission to deliver unique in-stay experiences that blend design, art, fashion and cuisine, while capturing the authenticity of Phuket as a destination. This inventive hotel has previously exhibited works by talented young artists from Central Saint Martins in its “Artist in Residence” programme and hosted one of Thailand’s most famous “Sak Yant” tattoo artists for a three-month residency, which allowed guests to get their own traditional tattoos.
Curious explorers can also learn the art of flower arrangement and southern-style Thai cooking or enjoy a unique treatment at the Coqoon Spa. Meanwhile, culture seekers who want to learn about The Slate’s extraordinary interiors and Phuket’s history can embark on the “Art Journey”, a QR code-enabled tour that reveals the vision behind the resort’s artworks and sculptures. Exclusive experiences and events will be launched in the coming months. Please stay tuned!
For more information and to start planning your journey into the world of art, design and fashion at The Slate, please visit theslatephuket.com.
About The Slate, A Member of the Design Hotels Collection
Inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past, The Slate blends Bill Bensley’s whimsical design with industrial elements to create highly unique guest journeys. A collection of stunning suites and villas, including pool villas and the spectacular Bensley Suite, surround glistening pools and gardens, and the serene Coqoon Spa blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. Discover delectable dining experiences including Rivet’s famous Sunday brunch and authentic Thai cuisine at Black Ginger, the Michelin-recommended restaurant, enjoy locally-inspired activities from yoga to Muay Thai, or simply stroll along the pure shores of Nai Yang Beach.
To learn more about The Slate, please visit theslatephuket.com.
