Exploring the Irish Countryside with John Alexander Skelton
John Alexander Skelton is not only a talented designer of alluring clothes, but he is also a masterful storyteller. His latest lookbook takes us on a journey to a balmy summer in Ireland’s County Mayo, where fishermen haul up their nets, villagers hike to a nearby waterfall, and locals gather in a pub to enjoy a pint of Guinness. While Skelton has often been drawn to moody Victoriana, this time he is embracing a lighter and softer aesthetic.
Reflecting on his family roots in Ireland, Skelton shared that the collection is a nostalgic tribute to the family holidays he enjoyed in the ’90s. “The mountains are not as big, and everything’s extremely verdant and green, and the people are very welcoming. I wanted the collection to have a softness and a lightness to it as well,” he explained. The casting for the lookbook was done on the spot with the help of a local intermediary, resulting in a diverse mix of individuals that bring a contemporary feel to the historical-inspired clothing.
The collection features playful details such as a white linen double-breasted suit with a cinched waist and a dark green waxed jacket with a double row of buttons. The color palette of off-whites and pinks, along with a ditzy floral print, adds to the collection’s whimsical charm. Skelton emphasized his commitment to off-kilter formality as a response to the rise of casual wear, aiming to evoke strong reactions with his designs.
For Skelton, the process of creating the collection and lookbook was a chance to engage with real people and incorporate their stories into his work. “Traveling for these shoots is quite a nice way to get out into the world, rather than being in the studio all the time,” he shared. This curiosity and connection to the world are what give Skelton’s clothes their unique and magical appeal.
