Festival Fashion: Eddy Temple Morris

Image: Eddy Temple Morris - Credit Jessica Van Der Weert

Eddy Temple-Morris has been a force on the UK music scene since the last millenia. As a presenter with MTV, radio show host with XFM, bass player and remixer with Losers (watch their 'Azan' below) and DJ with everyone from Manumission to Ministry of Sound, his boundless enthusiasm for music knows no bounds.

He's also one of the integral forces in combining dance music with rock and indie, a mentor of sorts for Zane Lowe and someone who you can put in the same breath as 2ManyDJs and Erol Alkan for helping these once disparate scenes merge.

Which makes him pretty much the perfect exponent of the breeding ground where these forces collide; festivals. This year he's at Secret Garden Party, Creamfields Ibiza and High Definition Festival, so we decided to find out what one of the men ensconced in the muddy rave trenches wears to battle..

What three items of clothing do you take to every festival?

First and foremost: My Akubra hat, i bought it in the 1980s and it's lasted till today, best hat ever, made from Australian rabbit felt, looks like a bit like a stetson but it's actually a bushman's hat.

I would hate for anyone to think i was trying to emulate a look that is a symbol of racism and genocide. My heart sinks when people go "howdee" or "yeehar" when they see me in it. That hat has been rained on, shined on, slept on, stepped on and puked on and it's still held its shape.

Then I'd go for a waterproof wind cheater than I can scrunch up and put in a little bag, this is the UK after all. Last item; my Sorels. Candadian snow boots with a felt lining. Waterproof, petrol proof, bomb proof, I've had those since the 80s too and they're still going strong. Along with the Akubra, a fine example that if you spend your money on a classic, it's money well spent.

By the way these are the boots worn by Clarke W Griswold, Chevy Chase's character in the National Lampoon Vacation films, one of my heroes (watch Clarke lose his shit below).

How much are you influenced by the conditions there; or do you just run with the same style regardless?

The Akubra keeps the rain off my face just as well as it protects against sunshine. The Sorels are water and dust proof, so same deal there. I just roll as I roll and let the weather throw whatever it's got at me. I'm prepared for any eventuality.

Your ultimate fashion icon.. 

Sid Vicious I suppose. I don't copy anyone per se, but I admire people who have their own innate sense of style, like Bobby Gillespie and Simone Marie Butler when Primal Scream play live. Those two looked so sexy on the US tour earlier this year in the stunning new Yves Saint Laurent Psych collection.

I've always admired Jarvis Cocker too, I'd never dress like that but it really suits him. You could cut him out of a picture and know it was him in those threads. Same with Nick Cave. Classic style. Classic people. 

Ultimate wardrobe staple?

Black leather bomber jacket. I've worn one for decades. I come in and out of fashion in that thing with zero fucks given either way.

Most expensive item you have bought? 

The aforementioned black leather bomber jacket…I bought one from Emporio Armani after I'd had a rush of blood and a well paid corporate gig. I lost it in Barcelona airport the next day on my way to play Razzmatazz, my favourite club. Some lucky Spanish fucker is now walking around with a jacket that costs more than my first and second cars combined.

I had to replace it with one from Asos (below) that I've worn ever since. It's ripped to shreds but I'm waiting for a windfall before I let it go.

 

Oh yeah. There's a bit if bass on this too.

A photo posted by Eddy Temple-Morris (@eddytemplemorris) on May 14, 2013 at 10:23am PDT

What's the item of clothing you're most embarrassed about? (That you'll admit)

When I had a broken toe I was forced to wear, and I cannot believe I am saying this, and I only did it because it was the only thing I could walk in without being in total agony. ..a croc. Jesus. I said it. I'm now going to go to a hostel, not a hotel, a hostel, book a room and take an overdose, or just borrow a gun and shoot myself in the face.

Crocs are a clear signal that you've given up. That you don't care what people think anymore because you're either totally disinterested in sex or you're just content and secure that your wife or girlfriend will not leave you.

If you wear crocs, they will, it's just a matter of time. If you are single and wear them, you will sleep alone. People will laugh at you behind your back. Just walk away from the crocs. Burn them and walk away and don't look back.

Finally you can go on the lash and clothes shopping with any three historical figures with an unlimited budget. Who are you taking and what will you all end up wearing at the end? 

That's a great question… 

Going back through time I'd have to say person number one would be Lee Alexander Mcqueen. We had many friends in common although we never met, but he's my favourite designer. A true maverick. The Liam Howlett of fashion.

His flame is being nurtured so well by Sarah Burton now, but yeah, he'd give great advice and know where to go to get good shit. Plus I'd get his employee discount at the mayfair store - I can't afford anything in there without it being on sale plus an employee discount!

Somebody from the Georgian era, because they were so stylish, I love the military look then, I loved it decades before the Libertines even existed. But who…? Arthur Wellesley (The Duke Of Wellington) I suppose, because - aside from thanking him for being the main reason we don't all speak French now - he'd have some great stories. And we'd be able to cap off our Mayfair shopping trip with a cocktail or three at Number 1 London.

This is the magnificent house the government gave him for beating Napoleon at Waterloo, which overlooks Hyde Park Corner from the edge of Hyde Park. Phenomenal place. His family still own it and live on the top floor. 

Finally, Julius Ceasar, his favourite colour was purple - same as me - he always wore a purple cloak and purple feather in his helmet. He'd approve of my Nike Royal Macaroon trainers and steer me right colour wise, ensuring that I had a few purple details here and there. Never go full purple. It's all about the details and suggestions.

Plus the Romans knew how to party, so the lash part might be more fun with him around. And I'd love to introduce him to some modern Italian food. Take him to Theo Randall's restaurant; imagine that!

Eddy will play at Creamfields Ibiza and High Definition Festival this summer. Check other Eddy Temple-Morris dates.