The scarf range wittily subverting gay stereotypes

Our Former Fashion Director – and celebrity stylist to the stars – Frank Strachan (Girls Aloud, Steps, The Saturdays to name a few) has come up with a rather novel scarf collection. From afar, Strachan’s designs just look like colourful, vibrant scarves. It’s only up close that you realise gay stereotype slogans are emblazoned on the scarves, as though they’re imaginary football teams: ‘Rim Job Rangers’, anyone? It’s part provocative, part frivolous and all about turning negative connotations on their head.

They’re available to buy on frankslocker.com We asked the designer a few questions about the collection, and subverting gay stereotypes and new styles he has on the cards…

What was the inspiration behind these?

I love the aesthetic of a football scarf, but I don’t support any teams, and so I’d feel such a phoney wearing one supporting a team I don’t associate with. I would be scared I’d get heckled as if I was a supporter!

How did you pick your slogan for each scarf?

With much amusement. I want to empower these gay slurs in a fabulous take on a traditionally very overtly masculine garment.

You’ve used slogans such as ‘Femme Top’ and ‘Butch United’. How much of it is playing around with the usual gay stereotypes? Is there a more serious nod about subverting the gay cliches that are used for gay men?

I was pretty sporty as a youngster, I used to dance, swim, and run, all at pretty high levels. But no team sports. Actually, thats a lie, I played basketball and cricket for the school, but not football or rugby. We had a house football match in year 7 at high school, and I played just to make the numbers up really, I knew I was shit, and I can’t remember why I felt compelled to [play]. Anyway, a group of girls who I would call my friends were really rude about how rubbish I was, and used gay slurs in their judgemental name calling. It was really a very painful moment for me, to have people I cared about being openly homophobic towards me. I was only 12, I didn’t know how to answer back, but I knew that I was probably gay, I was dealing secretly with those emotions, and I’ve held onto that shameful embaressed experience ever since. I wanted to subvert this staple of a masculine wardrobe, and empower it, a ‘fuck you’ to that memory. As the idea progressed, it became more celebratory and fun. Who doesn’t want to cheer on Rim Job Rangers or Fem Top Wanderers?!

Are you planning on more scarves? if so, what slogans have you got in mind?

Hell yes, this is only the start, they’re so much fun to produce, the colour combinations are so vibrant and playful, and coming up with the team names is such a laugh! Im not saying which team’s are coming up though, you’ll have to keep an eye on the webstore or instagram!

What kind of man would wear your scarves?

A terrifically dashing one. But seriously, the great thing is, that they look like just a beautiful colourful scarf, until you hold it open, and reveal the team name, no one would ever know what it says. He needs good taste and a sense of humour.

Where would he take you on a date?

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, of course, for a twilight ride on the Big One. Or maybe to that awful Winter Wonderland thing at Hyde Park all the celebs try and get in the Daily Mail for going to. Something wintery where he needs to wrap up warm!

Which is his favourite scarf from the collection?

Rim Job Rangers, he knows a strong colour palette when he sees one.

What would he wear the scarf with?

A subtle, well-cut camel Crombie over his city suit. He’d let the scarf do the talking.

Which is your favourite scarf?

Fem Top Wanderers, it reminds me of a friend and it makes me laugh. And I love clashing orange pink and yellow, it’s worked wonders in my pop styling career!

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