Style Interview - Artist Alex Hall, Haut de Gamme
A clean Scandinavian aesthetic is melted together with vivid brush work, colour and a passion for motor sport, the English countryside and wildlife. These characteristics are expressed wth a playful Pop Arty nod to iconic designs important to Alex Hall’s world. It’s easy to delight the senses whilst viewing his current collection of works; Ferraris, vintage Champagne and Polo Ponies are among a few of his favourite points of focus. Each one carefully rendered in a way that expresses the joy and excitement each subject would bring if it were in the room with you.
‘They are a conceptual subject, I look at each subject for why we like the look of them and then I use my style to portray that in a more powerful way.
I would never paint anything I don’t like, when people approach me with commissions I still want to do my own take on what they want. It has to be aesthetically pleasing to me. It’s good to have your own mark in life and to do things in my own way to show my perspective on it.
I prefer to keep stuff clean and simple which I like. The subject, range of material and experiences come from my English side.’
Some choice works revolve around classic cars and the Monaco Grand Prix. This deep interest Alex has in automobilia didn't get chosen at random or come about purely by chance. Motor sport is in his blood and he's certainly more than au fait with the lifestyle surrounding it.
‘I grew up around cars and my father was an historic racing car driver. Most of my friends and family are as a result related to motorsport. My Godfather was James Hunt, the F1 champion, and my Grandfather was one of the pioneers of bringing over Ford from America.
The delight he gets from motor sports shines through in his artwork. A Ferrari 250 GTO looms at us from the wall, virtually popping out of the canvas in three dimensions. The perspective of the car is from below the centre line, almost as if the viewer is kneeling to pay their respects to Enzo’s vision of the perfect motorcar.
Alex Hall wears Black Suede Laced Driving Loafers by Hugs & Co. £104.99
We asked Alex which was the greatest car ever made?
‘In my opinion the classic Fiat 500 it's iconic and accessible to everyone.’
Time for Alex is spent mostly in London where his studio is. For many painters though travel is an important part of life and inspiration and for Alex this is no different.
‘If I’m not in London then I'm in the Cotswolds or Sweden of course, both are a healthy escape from London. Then I just travel around to see new places’
As an Artist Alex has developed his style both on and off the canvas. Fashion and art are intrinsically linked and in this case each can easily feed into the other.
Given you're interest in classic cars would you say there's an element of the classic in the way you dress?
‘Yes but that's like life. As an artist I would say I am inspired by everything around me. Even by being around certain people, that can translate into fashion and my style. I don’t dress in a completely logical way, I choose style that I feel comfortable with regardless of whether it is considered right or wrong.’
You can see more from Alex on the Haut de Gamme website where all of his works are listed. Alternatively keep right up to date by following @hautdegamme on Instagram.
Travel
Where and when?
Jumby Bay in January.
Where with a party and where for escape?
St Tropez for a Party, for serenity my lake house in Sweden.
One place everyone must visit?
Sweden. It's beautiful, the people are good looking and the air is clean. A great place to get perspective.
What always goes in the suitcase?
Pair of Hugs & Co. laced black suede drivers, two pairs of spectacles, one pair of dark sun glasses and one tinted and then your ready to go.
Ditch the map or plan the route?
I ditch the map but someone else has usually planned the route!
Style
Wearing it now?
My paint overalls and a pair of my old Indigo Blue Sneaker Loafers from Hugs & Co.
To catch some attention?
Double breasted blazer.
Shirt tails in or out?
Always in if it's collared, if it's more casual always out.
Is it ever too dark for sunglasses?
No!
My next purchase will be…
A camera case.
The first style tip I learnt was…
If you’re wearing any jacket, to get a better fit put your opposite hand under the inside shoulder to get a better fit.
Never wear light socks with dark shoes!
Home City
Breakfast, lunch, dinner?
The Corner House Brook Green, Caraffini, Granger & Co.
For one quick drink?
My local pub.
