Designer name: Dr Noki
Origin: Aberdeen, Scotland
Design background: Dr Noki studied at Edinburgh School of Art. Before setting up his own label, he worked with Helen Storey, Whitaker Malem and Owen Gastor from whom he learnt “eco-thinking, arts and crafts and futuristic thinking” respectively.
Design signatures: “Culture jamming street couture.”
How would you describe your ideal client? “One-off special purchase superstars…”
Trademark piece: “The Noki-SOB (Suffocation Of Branding) mask.”
Three spring/summer 2012 inspirations: “The distance between Romeo and Juliette, deadstock denim and the infinite variations of plaid...”
What’s next for your brand? “The showcasing of the Noki-Denimetiks range - taking sustainability to new heights.”
Who are your design heroes? “My mate Jane Hayward, Owen Gastor and Christopher Nemith (RIP).”
What’s your favourite cultural hotspot in the capital? “Love Box. Sunday 17th July in Victoria Park.”
In five years time I will be… “Still inspired to reduce textiles in landfill sites, but NHS faster, ha ha!”
NOKI: Timeline
1995- Stylist for Blah Blah Blah magazine.
1996- MTV stylist for video jockeys.
1996- Noki founded after reading Kalle Lasn’s book, Culture Jam.
1998- ID Magazine - Gisele wears NOKI.
1998- Pineal Eye Gallery Shop exhibit ‘Ikonik Focus,’ commissioned by stylist Nicola Formichetti.
1999- Levi Cinch Store – Live customising exhibition called ‘Tease.’
2000- Dazed & Confused Gallery ‘The Curiosity of NOKI.’
2001- Artomatic Gallery ‘A bit of Mickey Mouse.’
2001- Levi B-Fly shop, Milan ‘A NOKI Crucifixion of Fashion.’
2001- This Way Up art gallery show, called NOKI Head Space.
2001- Kokontozai Shop Opening Party, Paris.
2001- Central Saint Martins college of Fashion – 1st year branding project.
2002- Ravensborne University teaching block on customisation/sustainability.
2002- Northbrook University teaching block on customisation/sustainability.
2002- This Way Up art gallery show, called ‘Resent Ma-Cine.’
2002- February London Fashion Week, NOKI Show, Brick Lane Music Hall.
2002- September, Sleazenation – Live Exhibition.
2002- September, Kokontozai – Fila cancer research exhibit.
2002- September, Adidas/NOKI exhibition in Size? Store.
2002- NOKI Knickers Expose in conjunction with Trace Magazine.
2002- NOKI and Magpie COOP collaborate to create ‘The Nest’ working studio.
2002- Adidas trainer collaboration, 100 One-Off made called ‘Oink Notpis.’
2003- Kingston University, teaching block on custmoisation/sustainability.
2003- Northbrook University, teaching block on customisation/sustainability
2003- September London Fashion Week, Modern Art Gallery – Mask Event.
2003- Three NOKI art pieces commissioned by the V&A for the “BRAND YOU” exhibition.
2004- Northbrook University, developed course further for sustainable thinking.
2004- Showstudio.com and W magazine main fashion shoot by Nick Knight.
2004- September London Fashion Week, ‘Costume This’ event at the V&A.
2005- Northbrook University – teaching block on customisation/sustainability.
2005- July exhibition of 20 limited edition screen prints.
2005- “WAR DE ROBE” Exhibition in Brighton.
2005- Four ‘Moshpit’ Fashion show installations.
2005- Development of Culture Jamming videos for website.
2006- Northbrook University, teaching block on customisation/sustainability.
2007- Glasgow Art College, teaching block on customisation/sustainability.
2007- Shoes and bags for Luella Autumn Winter 2007 New York Fashion Week.
2007- Framed art work and customised furniture for the New Luella Shop, London.
2007- Kick Hi-Kickers collaboration project launching Spring Summer 2008 called ‘Kickstand.’
2008- Glasgow Art College, teaching block on customisation/sustainability.
2008- Launch of the NHS- Noki House of Sustainability, at Fashion East, London.
2008- Massive Attack press push commissioned NOKI for 30 exclusive T-shirts.
2008- The creation of ‘Dr NOKI-NHS sustainable canvas,’ official washing label.
2008- Show Studio exhibition with PinkPin PunkKing head piece.
2008- Second collection Autumn Winter 08 at Fashion East, London.
2008- V&A installation ‘Cut the Brand,’ for Fashion Vs Sport exhibition.
2008- Commissioned pieces of clothing for Beth Ditto.
2009- Northbrook University, teaching block on customisation/sustainability.
2009- Opening of NOKI (NHS) 123 Store, 123 Bethnal Green Road.
2009- Lady Gaga Video.
2009- Lady Gaga does art video for Dazed and Confused wearing NOKI.
2009- Skin from Skunk Anasie commissions for greatest hits album and tour.
2009- Neneh Cherry commissions NOKI.
2010- Neneh Cherry wears NOKI while supporting Gorillaz at O2 Arena.
2010- Northbrook University, teaching block on customisation/sustainability.
2010- NOKI Fashion show at Lovebox festival on the main stage, styled by Kim Howells.
2010- Prince Charles sustainable festival, Start at Clarence House, London.
2010- Vienna art work presentation at the Secession.
2010- Kesha video.
2010- Skunk Anasie ongoing greatest hits tour.
2010- Judy Blame for NHS collaboration.
2010- Collaboration with knitter Craig Lawrence for the NHS.
2010- Barbican exhibition, ‘Japanese Future of Fashion’ NOKI film presentation.
2010- New Era collaboration, currently in progress.
2010- British Fashion Council, Estethica press day