Racy and Relaxed In The Gulf
By Jo Phillips
In 1971 quintessential heartthrob and all-around men’s hero Steve Mcqueen starred in the now infamous film Le Mans which depicted a fictional 24 Hours of Le Man’s infamous auto race. It features actual footage captured during the 1970 race held the previous June. Look at the actor’s boilersuit in the film and notice the very present Orange and Blue stripes of one of the key sponsors, Gulf Oil. These iconic brand colours came into fruition in 1967 and with their sponsorship, the Porche team went on to win this majestic race in 1975. Gulf is now a proud partner of the iconic Williams Racing team, one of the most successful F1 teams, for the 2023 Formula 1 season and beyond. Over the last 40 years much has happened but the iconic colours still reign high and now are making their way in the arena of fashion thanks to the next generation of the Hinduja family, owners of Gulf Oil, sisters Anu Hinduja and Nandita Mahtani. Find out more here in Racy and Relaxed.
It was as early as 1912, the company started to drill for oil and for those born in the UK in the 1960s and 1970’s the logo was very familiar. Now the brand is global and with it comes a heritage that had been creatively tapped into by the current chairman’s daughters, who are passionate about the brand.
Wanting to create something, instead of the usual not-very elegant non-fashion-forward merchandise associated with branded events and global companies they choose a more dynamic route, especially since they both have a fashion background.
This Contemporary Sports Luxe Brand is designed in London with much of the production also carried out in London and India. Leathers that are key to the whole look and feel of the collection are made in India from Indian leather. The sisters were inspired by the iconic, vintage world of motorsport.
The Monaco Collection was influenced by the Monte Carlo racing scene and Gulf’s signature colour palette. Hero pieces that encapsulate the ethos and aesthetic of the brand combine with iconic moto jackets, leather dresses and luxurious silk styles in Gulf’s renowned colour palette.
Clean lines and sexy shapes from dynamic moto-style leather jackets to cotton drill and silk boilersuits dot through the offering, all blended together by Golf vintage logo and brand colour schemes.
This collection has children’s pieces too and certainly has a sunny disposition. The strong visual connection follows the core echoes of the vintage history of the brand and is explored with confidence and self-belief; no one is ever going to think the pieces are anything but Gulf Oil.
Leather dresses available here
The AN-Y1 name references the sisters and the idea of anyone can wear the pieces which are seasonless and perfect for both motor side or beachside even hanging around at a party or lounging at home: From racy to relaxed
Cleverly working with such an iconic brand with a palette so recognisable the sister will explore more going further with potential one-off limited edition pieces and more. There are of course many clever arenas in which they can keep exploring the exciting heritage so dear to their hearts.
The Monaco collection is available now online at www.an-y1.com. If you enjoyed reading Racy and Relaxed why not read Bionic Girl here
.Cent Magazine London, Be Inspired; Get Involved