London-based designer Fred Butler makes statement props and accessories for the likes of Nicola Formichetti, Patti Wilson and Lucinda Chambers. Full of colour, vibrancy and animation they reflect Butler’s signature style and aesthetic, which she
London-based designer Fred Butler makes statement props and accessories for the likes of Nicola Formichetti, Patti Wilson and Lucinda Chambers. Full of colour, vibrancy and animation they reflect Butler’s signature style and aesthetic, which she also projects through her daily blog Fred Butler Style, a favourite on the AnOther Reader. An “extension to my vision” Butler is very selective about the imagery she chooses for her blog and incorporates colour wherever she sees it; “whether that’s in fashion, art design or music". A platform for exchanging knowledge, “to bring about opportunities for people to find each other and source information that might otherwise be off their radar", Fred Butler prides herself in seeking out original content on her daily travels. A regular guest at the latest events and fashion shows Butler cuts an eye-catching silhouette often dressed in bold accessories and bright hues, it is no wonder then that Fred Butler Style stands out from other blogs.
What inspired you to start your blog?
In the very beginning, it was a way for me to record my life and all the exciting events happening and fascinating people I was meeting with work; also the amazing creations that were conjured up in my shared studio with set designers. I don't have time to keep an actual diary or photo album so it was an online version of compiling and cataloguing memories of this seminal time in my life for future reference. I think it’s important to capture creativity for future generations to explore. I always cite Chequered Past by Peter Schlesinger as an inspiration with its early, relaxed candid snaps of David Hockney, Ossie Clark, Celia Birtwell, Manolo Blahnik and Paloma Picasso.
What makes it different to other blogs?
My USP is that its totally original material. I hope that makes my blog unique because I go the extra mile to get personal behind-the-scenes photos rather than standard press images. There is so much repetition across the board of blogs, I like to make mine a one-stop shop for a very particular viewpoint.
How important do you think blogs are as a medium and how important is yours to you?
Every individual has control to select and edit as they wish to suit their needs so although its a jungle out there, its possible to create a tailored RSS feed which replicates an indispensable daily newsfeed. Blogs are very important because it’s a free way for anyone to express their viewpoint and that is essential. Published titles can only survive via advertising which in turn dictates the endorsed content so blogs are a revolution. I would much rather read about what bag Susie Bubble thinks holds all her blogging equipage best than what tote Paris Hilton thinks is totes amaze this month.
Which have been your most-read posts?
I'm not very geeky at looking into the techno facts but surprisingly it's lesser-known subjects because not so much has been written before; my report might be one of the only things to appear on a search. For example, two local cafes that have opened up in Hackney!
You showcase and support a lot of emerging designers, artists and musicians through your blog – do you see it as an important platform to promote others?
I'm naturally driven to recommend people! I think hooking people up is better for the greater good. If I can see that two people should be collaborating and I can facilitate that through suggestion, then I try to organise it. Introducing new creatives to each other results in a strong supportive network which ultimately brings about a strong work force from which everyone benefits. The best example of that is Supermarket Sarah who I met at an exhibition which led to contributing to her site and offering a family tree of contacts for her to take over.
Who are your favourites?
It's important not to get too repetitive as that irks me occasionally in other blogs so I conscientiously try to curb my enthusiasm for the few talents I'm most keen on. But it’s probably obvious that I LOVE ThreeAsFour, Craig Lawrence, Peter Jensen and Judy Blame for fashion. Julie Verhoeven, Jim Stoten, Rosy Nicholas and Chrissie Abbott for art. Rowdy Superstar, Patrick Wolf, Bishi, The Cocknbullkid and Man Like Me for music... and my biggest top tip is of course going to be Janelle Monae!
As evidenced through your blog you seem to be a magpie for statement pieces and anything colourful – does this reflect through everything you do?
Yes! I know exactly what I like so I’ve always got my eye out for some cosmic wonder. I won't feature anything that doesn't fit to my mission statement. Last season I got a ticket to an exclusive show, which I was excited to have access to but it turned out that surprisingly I didn't like the collection so I chose not to post it! I would have been thrilled to include the name in my coverage but I just hated the colour palette, story and styling!
Has your blog opened up any additional opportunities for you or led to any interesting collaborations?
That is the best thing. If I like someone’s work it gives me the opportunity to contact them for an interview. Most people I’ve visited and spent time with, I’ve stayed in touch with and become friends. That is ultimate job satisfaction to get to know the characters behind work that I admire. My method is more personal than a journalist and hopefully that comes across in the angle that I convey. In turn, these friendships have brought about collaborations – the most significant being Elisha Smith Leverock. I discovered her though getting permission to post her portraits of Esser and ended up shooting all my subsequent fashion films and look books with her! Elisha is totally paramount to my output!
Do you think you’ll always keep blogging and why?
Who knows?! All I can equate it to is reading a good book when you are so involved in the plot, you can't put it down. I'm totally addicted and I don't really see it as work even though it takes up so much of my time. It’s a really enriching hobby. The daily posting criteria that I’ve enforced on myself means I'm constantly investigating, researching and visiting places for content. This discipline means I make the most of each day and never waste a moment which is a self fulfilling prophecy because the more I do, the more people that contact me with news and invitations. According to my mum, my sister once said that I’d go to the opening of an envelope. And, you know what, I probably would!
Text by Lucia Davies
