Fred Perry: Minimalist Perfection

I’ve always had a massive admiration for Fred Perry as a brand. Simple yet sharp, Fred Perry’s minimalist approach to style has caught countless people’ eyes throughout its 69 year run, myself included. And while my closet is stocked plentifully with their plain crewnecks, and solid colored ringers, I want to take a look at the way the brand presents itself to the cyber space at large.

That simplicity in design is surely no accident. Taking a look at the Fred Perry website, you’re immediately exposed to plain looking models, dawning Fred Perry’s plain looking clothes, bearing stoic expressions on their faces.

(Men’s Fred Perry Clothing & Accessories: Fred Perry US)

Accounting for our recent studies in semiotics I think there’s a lot of symbolic meaning to interpret through these visuals. I think a serious model proposes a certain professionalism or class, which I think Fred Perry caters to as it is a little more upscale in market presence more akin to a Tommy Hilfiger, or Polo. The Fred Perry polo shirt is considered proxy formal wear for some, so presenting models that are formal in expression and demeanor certainly aides in Fred Perry’s minimalist branding.

(Women’s Clothing: Women’s Fashion: Fred Perry US)

Fred Perry is also mute in terms of color pallets. Most Fred Perry clothing involves cold colors, color negativity, and bare bones tones paired with its already simple aesthetic. These factors add to the need for these models to match that energy, or lack thereof. Wether its apathy, or attitude, or somewhere in between: big grins and overjoyed demeanor doesn’t cater to the branding of Fred Perry.

I intemperate Fred Perry to represent minimalism, attitude, punk, and sub culture; as their website even has a “sub culture” section dedicated to exposing underground and up and coming art. Not only do I admire these qualities personally, but I think these factors solidify Fred Perry as a presence and symbol of grit in an otherwise colorful, upbeat, more outwardly enthusiastic marketshare. Contrast is needed in all walks of life, semiotics included as contrast creates both separation and attraction. I am thankful attracted to Fred Perry’s plain perfection and all that it represents.

Sources:

“Men’s Fred Perry Clothing & Accessories: Fred Perry US.” ‘s Fred Perry Clothing & Accessories | Fred Perry US, www.fredperry.com/us/men.

“Women’s Clothing: Women’s Fashion: Fred Perry US.” ‘s Clothing | Women’s Fashion | Fred Perry US, www.fredperry.com/us/women.