Rolling Stones: Upcycled Merch and Songwriting Under Pressure

Sustainable Style: Stones: Reimagined

The Rolling Stones have partnered with Bravado UK (Universal Music Group's brand management company) and the London-based social enterprise Fashion-Enter to create "Stones: Reimagined." This innovative collection gives deadstock merchandise from the band's 2022 *Sixty* tour a new lease on life.

Fashion-Enter meticulously sliced, diced, and stitched the old tour stock into new, unique garments. The collection features a layered long-sleeve tee (£70) and two distinct panelled t-shirts (£60 each), one cropped and one classic fit. Even the woven labels embrace sustainability, now made from recycled polyester.

David Boyne of Bravado UK noted the collection allows for unique storytelling through a conscious approach, while Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway praised the innovation in upcycling previous tour materials into fresh designs. This venture showcases how established artists can embrace circular fashion principles.

Creativity Under Pressure: Songwriting Tales

While now celebrated songwriters, The Rolling Stones initially struggled to write original material, famously starting only after manager Andrew Loog Oldham locked Jagger and Richards in a kitchen.

Decades later, pressure still played a role. Keith Richards shared that the *Steel Wheels* track 'Slipping Away' almost didn't make the cut. "It just kind of tailed off at the end of *Steel Wheels*. We realized what potential it still had, and the band and especially the horn guys said, ‘You’ve got to do that!’" Richards recounted. He admitted agreeing to finish it almost "at gun point," but ultimately found depth in the song upon revisiting it. These anecdotes illustrate the varied, and sometimes challenging, paths to creating iconic music.

What is the 'Stones: Reimagined' collection?

It's a limited-edition clothing line from The Rolling Stones, created by upcycling unsold merchandise from their 2022 tour into unique new pieces.

Where can I buy the 'Stones: Reimagined' collection?

It's available exclusively at the RS No.9 Carnaby store in London and online at rsno9.co.uk target="_blank".

How did The Rolling Stones start writing songs?

According to Keith Richards, their manager Andrew Loog Oldham locked Mick Jagger and him in a kitchen until they wrote their first original song.

What's the story behind the song 'Slipping Away'?

Keith Richards initially didn't finish the song during the *Steel Wheels* sessions, but revisited and completed it later due to encouragement and pressure from his bandmates.

What's your take on upcycled band merchandise? Do you think more artists should adopt this approach?

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