In the underbelly of Shoreditch, Protein Studios hosted some of animé’s most loyal fans on Saturday 21st February. Crowds of show-goers gathered and the anticipation for Jimmy Paul x Pokémon’s bubbled up at the door. Two cuddly plushies of Mew and Mew Two greeted guests at the entrance, pre-warming nostalgic 80s Japanese streetwear fans for a time capsule of fashion. THE REAL gladly stepped into Jimmy Paul’s world pre-showcase and in conversation with him, he unveiled the process of bringing his childhood memories and eclectic muses to life with Pokémon.
How has the creative process for this collection differed in comparison to your previous work?
The overall vision of this collection was inspiration itself. Usually, I want to tell a story that’s often rooted in childhood nostalgia. This time, however, the story was inspiration: where does my inspiration actually come from? So I approached the process the other way around, if that makes sense. Instead of starting with a narrative, I wanted to give the viewer a glimpse into my mind. And honestly, that mind sometimes looks like a chaotic Tumblr page from 2011.
Which pieces pull from costume and fantasy the most in this collection?
That’s difficult to say, because most of my work walks the thin line between costume and fashion. That’s where I feel most comfortable. I think that space is exciting, it creates the right kind of tension. So in a way, most of the looks explore that balance. At the same time, we also created an exclusive wearable JimmyPaul x Pokémon collection for Pokémon Center, bringing high fashion and fandom together in one cohesive universe.
Can you talk us through how the collaboration with Pokémon came about?
I’ve always wanted to collaborate with Pokémon. It truly feels like a childhood dream come true. I like to think the fashion gods heard my prayers and my manifestation meetings with Pikachu and Eevee finally paid off. It was a fantastic collaboration. Pokémon gave me real creative freedom and allowed me to draw inspiration from their worlds and Pokémon. I’m incredibly grateful for that trust and for the opportunity to merge our universes.
What do you want to convey through this collection?
Fun and positivity. For me, it’s important that people feel something when they experience the collection. Even if someone dislikes it, that’s fine. Anything is better than boredom or indifference.
What advice would you give to fans of more vibrant, fun fashion who aren’t sure how to incorporate it in their wardrobes?
My advice would be: don’t listen too much to what other people think. And that includes me: I’m not necessarily the one to give advice. But if fashion is about self-expression, then the only opinion that truly matters is your own.
Follow Jimmy Paul on Instagram @lovejimmypaul
