Folk x Hooke Park | New Collaboration

  • Hamish Harty

The Architectural Association is one of the worlds most prestigious and respected schools of architecture, based in London WC1. It's alumni include Will Alsop, Ron Arad & Sir Richard Rogers. Hooke Park is the Architectural Association’s woodland campus in Dorset, south west England. The 350-hectare working forest is owned and operated by the AA and contains a growing educational environment of creative, making and landscape-focused activities. Following a visit in March 2020 a collaboration was formed, with the idea of providing Hooke Park staff & students a fit for purpose wardrobe kit which was as appropriate in the workshop as in the forest; apparel for the adventure of designing and making. The range itself is utilitarian in form, but with the fabrication quality and attention to detail typical of Folk’s contemporary casualwear. Take the Signal Fleece, with two way zips, reinforced panels at stress points and the accent warning red trims. Or the wadded Reversible Liner, with Japanese brush cotton check on one face and recycled nylon shell on the other, for those sudden woodland weather changes. Knitwear is offered in a cosy, ergonomic rib; made in wool and organic cotton mix with contrast colour yarns. Also Work Pants with layed on pockets and knee pads plus riveted stress points. Accessories including hats and snoods ensure Winter is covered off for the rural cold. Note the rich forest colour palette of deep pine greens, warm ochres, blonde stone and matt charcoals.