Community Culture: Miles Robinson Of Pizza Fella – Kestin AW21
To highlight our latest delivery from HIP favourites Kestin for AW21 – we visited Miles Robinson Of Pizza Fella, a culinary institution within the city and a go-to for us at HIP HQ. Situated just a stones throw from our Leeds flagship store, Pizza Fella was first born after Miles developed a passion for Neapolitan pizza after a visit to Naples. Following a few years of serving up authentic slices out of the back of his converted Citroen H Van named “Claude” at various pop-ups and events, Pizza Fella found it’s feet with a permanent home on Vicar Lane in the form of a stripped back, industrial-inspired venue which seats up to 60 people. Offering a robust and thought out menu of wood-fired pizzas, each handmade using Italian Caputo flour, San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di Latte – it’s clear Pizza Fella draw strong inspiration from Italy with their toppings, but also try to make the most of local British producers wherever they can – resulting in the best Pizza in town.
Founded in 2015 by designer Kestin Hare with almost 20 year’s industry experience, Kestin aims to redefine modern Scottish design by seamlessly blending innovation with tradition. For AW21, Kestin present their latest collection which stays true to the brands heritage of drawing from workwear, military, sports and outdoor wear to create clothing which is functional, subtle and distinctive. For Kestin, responsible manufacturing is key with around 50% of every collection being made in the UK. Standout pieces in Kestin’s AW21 collection worn by Miles includes the Neist Fleece, Rosyth Shirt and Derby Smock.
Explore the Kestin AW21 collection in Leeds, Nottingham and online now.
Introducing: HIP Personal Shopper
Elevate you online shopping experience and connect with our HIP Personal Shoppers in both our Leeds and Nottingham stores for a personalised 1-1 service. Whether you want to ask about sizing, a closer look at a certain piece or find out about the latest seasonal collections and launches, our team are here to help.
With features such as chat and reserve, two-way video chat and text chat, HIP Personal Shopper is here to make your online and in-store experience seamless and worthwhile.
Community Culture: Matt Kelly Of Plaey Workshop – New Balance 992
To highlight our latest delivery of the timeless grey New Balance 992 ‘Made In USA’ – we visited local Saltaire based furniture designer Matt Kelly, who runs Plaey Workshop – where he produces modern, affordable furniture that combines form, function and a sense of fun. Our first feature in our new ongoing ‘Community Culture’ series – which aims to combine highlighting our favourite new releases alongside members of the wider community of HIP. Similar to New Balance’s approach to their ‘Made In’ line – Plaey summarises their ethos by stating “Each piece is a celebration of simplicity that belies the craft, rigour and countless hours that went into it. Every detail, every line, every material has earned its place through countless iterations until it’s perfect”.
First debuted in 2006 as part of New Balance’s 100th anniversary, the now iconic 992 came into the footwear brands offering as a move on from the fan-favourite 991, with the incorporation of high-tech ABZORB SBS material on the heel and front for improved running support. Further adding to the quality and the allure of the 992 is its inclusion in New Balance’s famed ‘Made In USA’ line, meaning the production of each pair uses American factories for over 70% of its manufacturing components, ensuring a quality, long-lasting build. Ideal for everyday wear all year round thanks to the style’s iconic and versatile grey suede colourway, premium materials can be found throughout, from the supple buttery suede upper to the breathable mesh accents and 3M reflective detail hits.
Whilst the 992 is loved by many New Balance fans globally, one of the most notable fans of the silhouette comes in the form of no other than the late Steve Jobs, who wore the 992 every single day after upgrading from the 991 in 2007 – becoming a piece of modern history, the 992 was famously worn by Jobs whilst unveiling the very first iPhone at Macworld 2007.
Stay up to date with Matt and Plaey here – explore our latest New Balance arrivals including the timeless grey 992 ‘Made in USA’ online now.
Getting To Know: David Whitfield – Creative Producer – HOKA One One
Born in 2009, in Annecy, France, HOKA One One‘s name draws from a Maori phrase which loosely translates to the meaning “fly over the earth”. Keeping in line with this free moving ethos, HOKA specializes in producing performance level shoes for road, trail, and all-terrain conditions. Each footwear style is infused with tech such as cutting edge Vibram soles, GORE-TEX membranes and lightweight cushioning, which all merge to create ultra-comfy yet dependable footwear ready to tackle any environment.
Founders Nicolas and Jean-Luc shared goal was to design a shoe that would allow them to run faster downhill and this led to the invention of HOKA One One running shoes, with the brands signature oversized outsole providing more cushioning than what they could find at the time. Holding the title as the fastest growing running brand in the world as of 2020 according to Forbes, HOKA’s maximalist running shoes are famous for their engorged silhouette thanks to these stabilising oversized outsoles designed to suit all terrains, from road to trail routes.
In conjunction with our first delivery from HOKA One One at HIP for AW21, we caught up with London based Creative Producer at HOKA – David Whitfield, to talk about his role, incorporating HOKA into his routine and the rise of trail running silhouettes.
Hi David, firstly please introduce yourself, and your role with Hoka One One?
Hi I’m David Whitfield, Creative Producer for EMEA at HOKA. I’m working to bring a relevant look and feel to the brand for our region, and driving consistency across our creative outputs.
Prior to working at HOKA I was Graphic Design lead at Aquascutum, and before that an Asset Creative at Dr. Martens. All culminating in a 50+ pair strong shoe collection – I don’t care what people say, I definitely need those pony hair leopard-print HOKA x Engineered Garment ones.
What does a normal weekday and weekend for you look like?
I started my role at HOKA during lockdown, and as anyone who has started a job at the same time will understand, it was a bit of an anticlimax having my first day sitting alone in the living room. We’re starting to get into the office more now which is great as it means my normal day is less and less about Microsoft Teams.
Having just moved back to Hackney, the weekends recently have been spent enjoying the delights of the local markets, especially Westgate next to Broadway Market, parks, restaurants, and of course, inevitably the Dolphin Pub (come down to hear the best karaoke rendition of Alanis Morissette’s Ironic you’ve ever heard).
What’s your go to HOKA style currently and why?
My current faves in the HOKA lineup are the Clifton 8, Bondi 7 and the new Engineered Garments Bondi L – I’ve been a huge fan of Nepenthes for years so for me it’s the ideal collaboration, and coincidentally how I was introduced to HOKA a few years back.
We’ve seen a huge rise in popularity in outdoors and trail running shoes in the last few years, why do you think this is?
If there’s one good thing that has come out of the past year and a half it’s definitely the increased interest in running and the outdoors. It’s been really beneficial for my physical and mental health to keep active. Seeing so many of my mates doing the same and seeing their improvements on Strava has been a real help for motivation too.
How do you like to incorporate HOKA’s in your daily life?
I’m by no means a professional runner, 5-10k is about my limit. So I’ve mostly been pairing them with my outfits for lifestyle wear. It’s great to see that the brand has been adopted in the trend space without losing it’s authenticity in running.
Focusing on this seasons recent deliveries, which styles have you got your eye on from other brands at HIP?
Always love seeing the new deliveries from And Wander and Nanamica, especially as we head into Autumn, some of the best outerwear in the game. Snow Peak is really consistent in its output too. I’m a big fan of the Field Utility Pullover Shirt. Also loving the new HIP Living offering – though our flat is probably at maximum plant pot capacity.
Keep up to date with David here and HOKA ONE ONE here.
HOKA ONE ONE – new to HIP for AW21. Online now.
