The Howie shop was my first solo commission. It came at a time when London seemed to be going through a period of transition in fashion and design. It proved to be an important commission. It allowed me to experiment and make a different statement about the art of fashion retail and its possibilities. The shop, commissioned by Lynne Franks and Paul Howie started life as 'Mrs. Howie' and became 'howie' when the baseent opened up to sell menswear. It was my first opportunity to experiment with materials and objects in a retail environment. My fascination with industrial materials resulted in the use of black ribbed rubber heavy duty flooring; galvanised Dexion; galvanised Kee Klamp tubing with epoxy blue coated fittings; galvanised wire mesh; off-the-peg facotry storage bin and steel sheliving. Yachting fittings were adapted for window displays, and specially spliced nylon rope was used to support analine dyed brightly coloured, wooden hanging rails. Industrial flourescent tube system lighting hung on black steel conduits, supplemented with photographic reflectors, priveded the main lighting. Perforated steel panels with a Hammerite finish were inset into the flazed door panels. These were to provide the basis for my collaboration with Peter Saville on the Orchestral Manouvres' perforated sleeve, and ultimately my connection with Factory Records.
| Client | Lynne Franks and Paul Howie |
| Location | Covent Garden, London, 1977. |
| Date | London, 1977 |
