/ Rake Style / September 2016

Artistic License: Adam Rogers

Artist, designer and entrepreneur Adam Rogers talks to The Rake about his treasured collection of vintage pieces, and the many places from which he draws inspiration in his work and his wardrobe.

Date September 2016
Author Anna Prendergast

Adam Rogers is, to put it mildly, a multi-faceted denizen of design. Having trained in bespoke tailoring at Central Saint Martins, Rogers has since dipped his vintage-Bally-clad toes into photography, consulting, marketing and styling. Today, he calls himself an artist – an umbrella term that hardly does justice to the extent of his creative endeavours. He ascribes non-uniform day at school as the origin for his appreciation of individuality, and the mission statement of his new creative consultancy, A&A (Adam & Arseto), is to bring back the beauty of advertising. He offers drawings, illustrations, editorial and photography for brands in need of a sensitive facelift. A self-confessed vintage addict, he trawls Portobello and Camden Market routinely and finds it an increasingly saturated – and therefore difficult – medium. “I got into vintage buying and selling at Brooklyn Flea Market, so I was constantly immersed in the world of clothes. The timeless style is what I appreciate from yesteryear. It’s not fickle, it’s not transient; it’s constant.” Our sincere thanks to The French House for accommodating us.

His own creation, Adam’s background in design and tailoring is evident in the unusual cut – a cut exclusive to him – of his wide-legged linen trousers. The fabric was sourced in India on his travels – it is the perfect choice for summer and has an undeniably luxurious drape.

Adam comes across as a stylistic sponge, for want of better comparison. He draws endlessly on the people around him, and his openness to new ideas (especially in older forms) has only ever done him good. When he created a short film in New York, the subject’s father produced a superb Nikon camera, and Adam fell in love instantly. “The man was a purist, like I am – he had this beautiful onyx ring and dress sense. He told me it was from 1964 and I bought it the next day”. He is currently shooting 120 subjects for a book with this very camera, accompanied by illustrations, as he feels the authenticity and depth of grain delivered is an aesthetic he – and others – appreciate.

Rogers’ family has always had a huge impact on his creativity. “My watch is my Grandad’s Omega, it’s a military watch. They made three of these; Omega, Rolex and IWC, the same year. My sister has the Rolex. I love the strap.” Having grown up in a family of musicians and performers, Adam always felt free to explore his own creative outlet and with a grandfather who acquired “a lot of watches, beautiful cars and a Triumph motorbike”, he is almost genetically predisposed to enjoy the finer things in life.

A collection of silk scarves overflows from Rogers’ bag. Constantly woven through his fingers and thrown effortlessly around his neck, they are yet another indication of his love of warm autumnal tones and vintage finery.

Reluctant to give away his source (and who could blame him?), Adam’s 1950’s Bally slip-on loafers are a thing of beauty; their polished black leather, fringe detailing and buckles, adds an old-school sense of sophistication to his outfit. “My instinct for clothes comes from shopping at a young age – it’s all about seeing and being around people in the industry, and I’ve always been curious. ‘What shoe style is that? What’s that collar name? What’s that cut?’”

Adam’s obsession with all things old school begins with his clothes. He spent much of his teenage years in Camden Market, searching for classic, timeless shapes and silhouettes. His turtleneck was one such acquisition, “this is the cleanest turtleneck I’ve found – instead of folding inside it just sits on the neck and gives a cleaner line.” His love of earthy, neutral colours stems from the natural dyes and muted tones of yesteryear.

As well as his vintage addiction, Rogers’ eye for detail is well honed – and well maintained by his General Eyewear glasses. Based in Camden, their range of vintage through to bespoke eyewear is extraordinary. “The artisan - he blows me away, he’s so meticulous. The detail in the glasses, the frame, the lens, the thicknesses. His plans, his drawings are immaculate.” Adam draws a comparison between his own vintage pair and Gregory Peck’s in To Kill A Mockingbird.

Artistic License: Adam Rogers

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