LONDON — John Skelton has been named cultural and inventive director of EBIT, a clothes model based by Simon Whitehouse that goals to spark conversations about psychological well being.
EBIT, which stands for Get pleasure from Being in Transition, faucets the creativity of designers, musicians and artists and works throughout totally different mediums, together with gaming.
Skelton’s appointment marks his return to the style trade after a seven-year hiatus, throughout which he was recovering from psychological well being and substance abuse points.
”We’re not fearful of being weak,” stated Skelton, referring to himself and Whitehouse. “I feel that’s what we’re attempting to get different folks to do, and it’s not simply restricted to style.”
Skelton stated each he and Whitehouse have been by means of melancholy and had suicidal ideas. “And the one factor that we’re each good at is talking actually about how we’re feeling,” stated Skelton.
A picture from the model’s spring 2025 assortment, the primary below Skelton’s inventive route.
Courtesy of EBIT
Skelton started his profession in 2001 as Selfridges’ youngest purchaser, later shifting to Harrods and dealing as the shop’s shopping for supervisor. In 2005, he grew to become inventive director of the e-commerce web site Oki-ni. 4 years later, he based London retail retailer LN-CC.
The announcement coincides with EBIT’s spring 2025 assortment launch, which has been picked up by Selfridges, Modes, and Quantity 4.
Titled “I Love You,” the 50-piece capsule takes inspiration from Skelton and Whitehouse texting their associates to say they love them.
A picture from the model’s spring 2025 assortment.
Courtesy of EBIT
“The rationale that the colour story is blue and coral is as a result of me and Simon have an analogous approach of texting folks. I all the time ship purple coronary heart [emojis] to everybody, and he sends blue ones,” stated Skelton.
Earlier than Skelton’s appointment, EBIT’s design collaborators included M/M (Paris), Glen Luchford, Michel Gaubert, Soo Joo Park, DJ John Digweed and Wilson Oryema.
A picture from the model’s spring 2025 assortment.
Courtesy of EBIT
Whitehouse and Skelton stated that they plan to proceed collaborating on future collections. The pair additionally stated they’re exploring different classes.
Whitehouse has held a wide range of chief government officer roles, on the inventive company Artwork Companion, the communications company Reference Studios, and the now-shut sustainability consultancy Eco-Age. He served as CEO of JW Anderson from 2014 till 2017.
Earlier in his profession, he labored with labels together with Matthew Williamson, Diesel Black Gold and DKNY.
