RICHARD ALEXANDER COOKE - ANIMATOR SS25

With an artisan like Richard Alexander Cooke, nothing is done without purpose or thoughtful consideration. Expect endless details and work that is infused with passion and love. The more handwork involved, the better, and Richard is a great example of a new generation of artisan that is taking over the torch from past greats. He embraces handcrafting and isn’t shy about adding depth and complexity to his work, making each piece a unique testament to his skill and creativity.

Richard Alexander Cooke SS25 Animator

Richard Alexander Cooke’s SS25 Animator collection showcases garments with extreme hand-sewing details, an already signature of his work being emphasized to a new level. Building on the concepts he explored in his FW24 collection, Richard has refined his approach, lifting his previous boundaries to become a better craftsman. This season, he has perfected his method of natural waxing, a technique he has been experimenting with for some time. The natural wax, applied to a palette of brown and grayish denim rather than the traditional black, accentuates the materials' inherent patterns, giving a unique texture and depth to shorts, jeans, jackets, and vests.

Denim as chorus for SS25 Animator

Denim takes center stage in the SS25 collection, appearing in various colors and materials and featured in both upper and lower wear as well as accessories. Richard emphasizes the wearability and practicality of his designs, stating in a previous conversation with us, "My garments are created to be worn and not to be preserved." Denim, with its robust and versatile nature, perfectly embodies this philosophy, making it a recurring theme throughout this collection.  

Thoughtful consideration and inspiration

Adding further depth to his work, Richard names his garments using nature-inspired terms, abstract concepts, and words with cultural and symbolic significance. Names like Iris, Lotus, and Carnation, alongside Timewave, Requiem, and Ballad, reflect the diverse sources of his inspiration. As with everything Richard does, also these names are not chosen at random but are a testament to Richard's approach to design, each garment tells a story and adds an extra layer of meaning to his creations. Richard's work is a reminder that true artistry lies in the details.