Hey Jenna, thanks for joining us! How are you doing today?
Hey, I’m good. Thanks for inviting me!
Where are you from, and what’s life like there?
I’m from the East Midlands of the U.K. The U.K is very divided at the moment, but the town I live in is multicultural and more unified than other areas. There isn’t much of a nightlife in my town so we need to travel about an hour away to get to gigs and a good night out.
What do you do day-to-day – work, study, something else?
I work as a Psychotherapist. It’s a wonderfully rewarding job but it’s also quite emotionally and psychologically exhausting at times.
How would you describe yourself in a few words?
Photogenic Fred Perry obsessed music fan who swears too much.
When did you first get into alternative or subcultural style?
I was around 10 years old and living in Canada when I got involved in the skateboarding scene and first found punk and ska. Over the years I’ve been involved in the punk/skin, scooter and indie scenes. If it involves music and Fred Perry you will find me there!
Did anyone around you grow up with similar interests, or did you find it on your own?
My older sister introduced me to some music when I was younger but I mostly found my own way.
What does a typical weekend look like for you?
I’m getting old now so I’m not out partying much these days. My weekend generally involves going to the pub and listening to music.
Scene & identity
Would you say you’re part of a specific scene — mod, skinhead, casual, punk, or something else entirely?
I think I’m a bit of a mix but mostly an old indie kid
What first drew you to that scene?
Music. It’s all about the music for me. Also, I think there is something in belonging. Subcultures are a safe place for those who feel that they don’t belong in other aspects of life. It’s a bringing together of like minded people.
Subcultures are a safe place for those who feel that they don’t belong in other aspects of life.
Do you feel it still has the same spirit today as when you first discovered it?
Scenes change as we age, it should be that way. For me, nothing will feel as good as it did in the 90’s because that was my time. The scenes now should be for the youth of today, I’m happy to be involved but welcome the changes. I’ve been involved with scenes monopolised by older people unwilling to accept progression, it’s quite sad really as the scene will die if we don’t embrace new ideas and encourage younger generations to be involved.
How do you see women being represented in the scene right now?
I think it’s getting better but it’s never been easy for women in any scene. We have to work harder to be taken seriously.
What’s the most positive thing the scene has brought into your life?
Friendship. All my favourite people I met through the scenes I’ve been involved in.
And the most frustrating?
It costs too much to keep updating my wardrobe and record collection!
Fred Perry love
You call yourself a Fred Perry fanatic — when did that start?
In the 90’s, Fred’s were big in the Indie/Brit pop scene.
What does Fred Perry mean to you?
The laurel has been a constant companion for so much of my life.
Do you remember your first Fred Perry?
I found my first Fred in a charity shop around 1995. It’s was a black polo with yellow tips and I fell in love. I couldn’t afford to buy new so I always searched for second hand bargains.
How many items do you think you own now?
I must have around 300 items. I have 55 polos and 45 dresses. Plus T-shirts, shirts, trousers, shorts, skirts, knitwear, bags, socks, hats, scarves, gloves, shoes, jewellery, coats…
What’s your favourite Fred Perry garment and why?
I absolutely love my Mintdesigns Fred Perry polodress. I have 2 of them so I don’t wear it out. I don’t know why it’s my favourite. I just love it.
What’s on your wishlist right now?
I don’t have one. I’m in a position in life now that if I want something I just buy it. A big change from my early days of buying Fred’s!
If you could design your own Fred Perry, what would it look like?
I’m a big Tank Girl fan so similar to the Gorillaz’s collab I’d love a Tank Girl/Fred Perry collection.
Style & self-expression
What is your go-to outfit?
Polo dress, black tights, cardigan, docs or adidas trainers.
How does your style change between everyday life and nights out?
I usually wear jeans and a polo or T-shirts for work and will put a dress on for a night out.
Are there any vintage or second-hand finds you’re especially proud of?
I love my Emma Cook collection. The giant gold laurels look amazing. I have a few rarities but they are my favourites.
What’s one clothing item you could never part with?
My Mintdesigns Fred Perry polo.
Do you mix styles or stick to one look?
I love mixing things up depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll look like a mod, sometimes more skin, other days a casual. It’s all good.
How do you balance comfort, self-expression, and identity in what you wear?
Fred Perry offers all of this for me. I’m pretty good at throwing outfits together. If it’s comfy and looks good it’s a winner.
Music
What kind of music do you usually listen to?
Mostly indie, but I love ska, punk, oi, rap, 60’s, classical, even a bit of country. I just love music. Leonard Cohen said that ‘music is the emotional life of most people’ and this is especially true for me.
Who are your top five favourite artists or bands?
One of the hardest questions to ask! How can I choose only 5?!
Billy Bragg
The Clash
Jamie T
The Smiths
The Specials
Billy Bragg
The Clash
Jamie T
The Smiths
The Specials
Is there a gig or festival that really stuck with you?
Reading 1998. Amazing.
How’s your local music/gig scene?
Rubbish. There’s nothing going on.
Beliefs & lifestyle
You mention being vegetarian – how long have you been, and why did you choose that path?
I’ve been vegetarian for 34 years. It’s as simple as just not wanting to eat animals. The Smiths -Meat is Murder cemented the idea for me.
How does your feminism play into your art, work, or daily life?
My feminism shows up in my life through a commitment to equality, and authenticity. At work, it means helping clients challenge internalised “shoulds” and cultural scripts that limit their autonomy, while creating relationships built on collaboration rather than hierarchy. I bring awareness of how systemic power dynamics influence personal patterns, supporting people to reclaim their voice, boundaries, and agency. In daily life, my feminism reflects in how I relate, choosing honesty, mutuality, and solidarity, and redefining strength and success on my own terms.
In daily life, my feminism reflects in how I relate, choosing honesty, mutuality, and solidarity, and redefining strength and success on my own terms.
What keeps you inspired or hopeful these days?
Just making my little bit of the world a better place for myself and those around me. It’s all that’s in my control.
Quick-fire round
Cats or dogs?
I have 4 cats and 2 dogs So I guess cats.
Vinyl or streaming?
I love vinyl but I can’t take it everywhere I go, so streaming wins.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Black.
Boots or sneakers?
Boots maybe?
Early morning or late night?
Early morning these days.
Wrapping it up
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Inequality
What would you tell your younger self if you could go back in time?
Buy a house before 2005
What message would you like to share with people who look up to you?
Don’t look up to me I’m just as flawed and weird as everyone else
What advice would you give to someone just finding their place in the skinhead or alternative world?
Have fun, be you, stay away from the nazis.
Have fun, be you, stay away from the nazis
Thanks for your time! Anything you’d like to say to SKNWRLD?
Thank you, keep going.
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