KTC Factory Interview: Fraser Cooke

If you're into this "culture" of ours, you owe a great deal to Fraser Cooke. An original London legend, KTC Factory catch up with Fraser to discuss his past and what he's currently working on.  KTC are the organisation behind brands like UVU, Arc'teryx and Rapha, they know what they're doing when it comes to producing garments of the highest merit.  As well as this, they've got a nice little magazine style site and have been producing interviews with the original "influencers" and movers and shakers who have helped define what we're into as street and casual wear enthusiasts.

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"Having recently relocated to Los Angeles from his home in Tokyo, Fraser Cooke is about to embark on a new chapter. With this crossroads in mind, it seemed an opportune time to catch up with him and reflect on his past, present and future. Glenn Kitson and Antony Crook headed to California and spent a couple of hours in discussion at the Sunset Towers Hotel. They started where all the most interesting stories start, right at the beginning."

 Read the full interview by Glenn Kitson and check out the rest of the portraits shot by Antony Crook HERE

UVU Launch

Back in November I was introduced to a brand named UVU. Having just a few samples to show me and some fabric swatches it was a conceptual idea starting to become something quite interesting. Fast forward a few months and a launch for the brand was set to take place at the Royal Geographical Society in South Ken.

Tucked away in the shadows of the Royal Albert Hall is a venue steeped in history. The explorers and pioneers from the UK who would chart some of the toughest terrain across the globe would begin their journeys here, including the likes of Robert Scott. A fitting venue for a brand beginning their own journey.

UVU is a technical sportswear brand, in every sense it's extreme. Tested with the best ultra-marathon runners in the world who crave endurance. One of whom is Richard Donovan a tripple-North Pole Marathon Winner, who has also ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 4 days.

The brand has stood up to and exceeded the expectations of athletes like Richard but what underpins this technical excellence is a conscious and astute application of design and style.

Using the most sophisticated fabrics available, the brand has also taken the technicality of its performance wear and enthused a line of casual wear products. From body warmers to quilted jackets in a fusion cashmere that has been treated to be waterproof. Truly remarkable, something I've yet to come across. I'm unsure on price points but make no mistakes about it, this is luxury and with that comes a heavy investment but an investment you will not regret.