Introducing the Hollywood Authentic x N.Peal Collection
"Over my 30 year career as a photographer in the movie industry, I have been blessed to have worked with some of the most iconic movie stars of our age. In that time I have developed a particular approach to my shoots. My method, whether I’m on set or in someone’s house, is the same. Put them at their ease. No team, just my camera and video camera… There is a precedent here: back in the day, movie stars would allow photographers and writers into their world.
Magazines such as LIFE or LOOK, in a window that spanned 40 years from the ‘30s to the ‘70s, would regularly publish intimate profiles of the actors of the day. This type of photojournalism gave us so many of the iconic images we remember. When I established the Hollywood Authentic brand a little over two years ago with our quarterly magazine, I wanted to shine a light on the magic of the dream factory. An insider’s perspective that would almost make you feel you are breathing the same air as the artists.
As the brand evolved we realised the visual feast that is cinema has influenced every aspect of our lives from fashion to furniture. So what began as a love letter to Hollywood evolved into a lifestyle brand and, like the best movies, the cornerstone of Hollywood Authentic is our creative collaborations with likeminded artists and brands. That’s why we are really excited to announce our collaboration with N.Peal. A brand whose Hollywood heritage runs deep through its DNA.
Established in 1936 in London by Nat Peal, the brand’s reputation for exceptional cashmere quickly captured the attention of Hollywood and its roll call of clients included Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Ava Gardener, Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren… The very same artists who had graced the pages of LIFE and LOOK. The golden age of cinema captured for eternity by the titans of modern photography. One of my favourite LIFE’s covers features Marilyn Monroe relaxing at home, away from the camera, her personal style elegantly minimal. Monroe also happened to be perhaps N.Peal’s most famous customer. In 1956, one of Nat Peal’s frequent trips to New York was captured in print. It was a story about him hand-carrying a ‘soft white’ sweater to the US for Marilyn Monroe.
The Hollywood Authentic x N.Peal collection takes its inspiration from many sources; N.Peal’s list of legendary customers, our favourite artists, movies and of course photographs. Reimagining our favourite knitwear pieces, this capsule collection pays tribute to the style icons of the silver screen. We love it and we hope you will too. Greg Williams, Founder, Hollywood Authentic"
Click here to view the Hollywood Authentic x N.Peal collection on-line.