Theo Martins

Posture Walking Club, a project I’ve worked on beginning in 2015, launches its ready to wear collection this Spring. It’s the label's debut and my foray into fashion in this manner. Having had the 10 years prior experimenting, it’s a wonderful feeling to arrive at this juncture. The collection is titled, “Lagos, New England”, which is inspired by Lagos Nigeria and Rhode Island, my homes. These patches are a nod to my parents who worked as factory workers, immigrating to Rhode Island by way of Lagos.

I love when a chapter ends, it’s bittersweet but I'm just in love with change. I’ve returned to Los Angeles after some time away and in the interim of launching my label, took a job as a 2nd grade tutor. I generally tutored them in Math & English and often we would draw and color. Children are fun and education generally is a thankless job but this experience was truly special. I knew my time with these children was not in vain. On my last day I was given a sketchbook from a student. They noted that when their parents asked what gift they wanted to give their tutor the student suggested a sketchbook, because “Mr Theo is always drawing”. Children are incredibly perceptive and this gift speaks clearly of that.

”Yemi”, a character I’ve created, seen here in various poses. I had commissioned a mock up of the character from an animator at some point but I found it lacked the personal touch. However, it’s been a bit since I drew, and even longer since I enjoyed what I drew. It’s been a journeying in allowing the things that come through me without inferring judgment upon it. I'm an early riser, using that time to enjoy the silence and a cup of tea. On this morning I found myself redesigning Yemi’s look and feel. It's the touch that was missing in the initial drafts that I somehow found now.

Three songs I composed for a Television docuseries will be screening at Cannes this year. Pretty special moment for everyone involved as it’s been a labor of love. Beyond the institution of Cannes, it’s just cool to do things with genuine and pure intent and allow those things to manifest how they choose. Makes moments like these fun. This is likely the outfit I will wear on the infamous “pink” carpet.

Charlie, friend, talented photographer and owner of boutique Virgil Normal took this image. I hosted an Arts & Crafts afternoon and many parents and children showed up. There was one child who I thought was just incredibly original and as I posed for this photo he happened to pose for the camera too and I just loved how genuine it was. My reaction, caught wonderfully by Charlie, encapsulates that moment wonderfully. Some moments tend to stay with you and this was one. Charlie titled the photo, “The Candy Man” and it stuck.