The Barkers x Surfline range returns in 2019 with a collection of boardshorts, 100% organic cotton tees and shirts. Collaborating with renowned surfboard craftsman Roger Hall for the fifth year, the range is inspired by the surfing lifestyle and Roger’s own board designs. We chat to Roger about the collaboration, his favourite pieces and working with mates.
What was the inspiration for this year’s range?
Having started Surfline back in 1971 and being just as passionate and involved all these years later gives us a deep well to draw from. Inspiration comes from past history, current endeavours as well as future visions.
You’ve been working with Barkers for a fair few years now, what’s it like collaborating on a clothing range?
This is our sixth year of the collaboration. Before that, we worked on a project to theme the Barkers Takapuna store as {The Board Room} which was a nice lead in to our working relationship. I find Barkers’ interest in our surfing history and culture both humbling and also quite uplifting. I'm proud of my work and to be recognised by Barkers in this way is an honour. I really enjoy the process of our collaboration; together we’re telling uniquely Kiwi stories that come from and relate to the broader New Zealand surfing culture. Barkers bring their expertise with fashion, garments and textiles which we blend with the stories, designs and colourways arising from Surfline’s surfboard building. The process is interactive, it's fun and yet requires quite a bit of input and effort at the same time (a bit like making surfboards!)! I'm learning lots as I go as well as looking at and appreciating what I do through fresh eyes. The whole process ends up inspirational even though it is in itself drawing from existing inspirations!
Do you have a favourite print, short or tee from the range?
I have several favourites because the stories behind the prints run deep and true. They have meaning on both a personal, as well as professional level. There really is a lot of depth in the range so it's hard for me to narrow it down to a single garment. However, from the tees I would pick the progressive design print because that logo has such meaning for me on a number of levels. From the dress shirts, I love the number 8 print because it represents where I make my boards. It’s an original print featuring items we chose to incorporate for their relevance, and this shirt is a great example of our collaboration at work. With the boardshorts, I'd pick the acid flash print because it takes me back to me as a lad, discovering surfing and making my early boards.
The tees are made from 100% organic cotton, as a surfer how much do environmental concerns influence your choices.
I am very pleased to have these factors in the range, I'm quite concerned with the state of the environment and the need to make meaningful and positive changes. I treasure the interaction I have with nature; the shoreline, as well as the surf line, are amazing places to be for me as a surfer. I feel a strong commitment to making surfboards that impact as positively on the planet as possible. The emphasis is on surfboards that will provide a long service for both the current and future owners. I salute Barkers for their commitment in this area and it's a good fit for Surfline and Roger Hall. We put a huge effort into making surfboards that are extremely durable, they just keep on keeping on. Barkers’ clothing is that way as well. I'm still wearing garments from the first range six years ago and they are going strong. Using organic cotton and recycled materials is another strong stride in the right direction.
Who was the other surfer in the CPL shoot?
Paul Culpan aka Moonbob! He is a very talented surfer with a lot of depth and miles of style. He loves riding an array of surfboard shapes and shares my curiosity to venture down design paths less travelled. He’s a blast to work with on these occasions where we can both carry on like a couple of frothing grommets.
You work with Mike and CPL regularly, how important are these long-term relationships in getting your work out there?
I have worked with both these guys for many years now and have immense respect for what they do. We have a good understanding of each other and mutual respect so it's always a buzz working with them. Both of these guys are very passionate about what they do and the effort they apply to their craft. This makes me want to dig deep, so we feed off each other’s energy. They are great guys to be around, easy to work with and I can't thank them enough for the role they have played in presenting my work with their images. They capture the moments and sprinkle magic dust on them, fuelling our imaginations by adding another layer altogether. Both have had a significant effect on the collaboration in that way.