Picture Motorcycle: NICK CLEMENTS 'REVIVAL'

After years of top-flight work as a fashion photographer, menswear/accessories designer, and publisher of Men's File magazine, Nick Clements has been spending nights and weekends working on his Master's Degree at the Royal College of Art, in London.

Nick Clements holding court

'Revival' is Nick's thesis/exhibition, a study of the 'vintage lifestyle' subculture in England and Europe, which incorporates much of Nick's photography used for Men's File, and other photo projects he's pursued in England, France, America, Italy and Africa, plus examples of the clothing line he's developed, based around classic/traditional/functional patterns and fabrics.

An imaginary American fraternity, Ivy House, is among Nick's theatrical devices for 're-enactment'; art-directing photo shoots with period props, buildings, vehicles, and clothes, provided by the models themselves at times, with a loose narrative thread, and roles for the photo subjects. Examples of Nick's technique can be seen in every issue of Men's File, which give the magazine a unique quasi-historic pictorial flavor and charm.

One of Nick's work jackets, hand-decorated by an artist with a ball-point pen.

I have the privilege to write for Nick in his magazine (the back-page column, 'What is a Man?'), and hold the quality of his work in highest esteem. If the depth of his guest list is any indication, I'm not alone in my opinion. Men's File is one of the most interesting print rags on the rack, and Nick Clements' peculiar perspective is much of the reason why. The next issue goes to press at the end of June...but if you're in London anytime very soon, stop by the RCA and see the show!