Blokes Of Britain: Kevin Rowland
//12"x10"s from Don't Stand Me Down shoot, 1985.//
NAME: Kevin Rowland
RESIDES: London
OCCUPATION: Dexys
Kevin Rowland is a very dapper gent. This is a truth acknowledged by all right-thinking people.
And Kevin is his own man. How many of us can say that?
He is also something of an artist, one whose connection to his muse is unadulterated by commercial concern or critical pressure. I can’t wait for the new Dexys record, which will be out in 2012.
I covered the stylistic changes Kevin rang through earlier Dexys incarnations – from stevedore to Ivy League – in THE LOOK.
Today Kevin answers the Blokes Of Britain questionnaire, providing an opportunity to present some of his looks – including rare and previously unpublished images – past and present:
How would you describe your style?
I’d find it hard to describe. Maybe “retro-inspired”, as my mate Jason Jules labelled it.
//Taking part in a Mark Powell show in London, 2008.//
How has your look changed over the years?
God, it’s changed so much. “Never not shopping”, that’s my motto.
Also, always looking for new ideas. I’ve been through all kinds of changes and looks and repeated a few along the way. But I think I’m a better dresser now. The more you do it, the better you get.
A few years ago, I’d write down looks that I was keen on in a Word doc, in case I forgot them. Now I’m more confident and intuitive. Years ago, I would plan my look for something important, now I like to leave it to the last minute and see what jumps out at me as I look through my wardrobe.
//With friends at a garden party, 2011.//
//On the town, 2010.//
When did you adopt your current look/how did it develop?
I started dressing retro (this time round – I first started it in ’74) in 2003 when you (PG) suggested Dexys go to Mark Powell for some suits for the tour that year.
Mark came up with 1930s Parisian-style suits, and exaggerated them. I too asked for some exaggeration in the detail; wider trousers, very padded shoulders. That’s very important. To simply revive something is boring.
//Dexys letterhead at the time of the group's Projected Passion Revue tour, 1981.//
//Contact sheet of Projected Passion-era line-up, 1981.//
//Contact sheet for Too-Rye-Ay photoshoot, 1982.//
//With Máire Fahey, artwork for Come On Eileen sleeve, 1982. Their stance was inspired by the cover of The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.//
//Don't Stand Me Down photoshoot, 1985.//
//Don't Stand Me Down photoshoot, 1985.//
//Don't Stand Me Down photoshoot, 1985.//
//With Dexys members Pete Williams + Lucy Morgan, Notting Hill, 2003.//
Do you keep clothes/have you a big wardrobe?
I wish I did keep them. I’ve thrown out so many amazing clothes over the years. When will I ever learn?
What garment would you like to wear/have most in the whole wide world?
To be completely honest, I can’t think of anything I want that I don’t already have. Mark made me some amazing suits and if I want a really strong statement I just don one of those. That said, I’d like a really decent pair of plus-fours.
Is there a period in fashion with which you align yourself?
None really. If I had to, it would be the ’30s. Very elegant.
What’s your style tip of the moment?
Be yourself.
//Mark Powell show, 2008.//
Who sums up the word “stylish” for you?
Tricky. I can’t think of anyone with an unblemished style history. And my view changes all the time.
I like Gene Kelly; it was effortless and natural with him. But really, I’d like to choose someone more avant-garde, but can’t think of anyone who fits the bill.