There’s a certain familiarity in returning to a creative partnership that feels well-suited. For our 75th anniversary, we worked again with illustrator Aaron Chang, the creator of Ivy Boys, whose work observes clothing with a quiet attention to detail.
Aaron’s illustrations encompass both men and women, focusing on gesture and the small details that give garments their character. It’s an approach that aligns naturally with Gloverall’s own, where pieces are shaped by use and refined over time.
We’ve worked with Aaron for several seasons now. He has previously interpreted Seasonal collections and produced artwork for our London pop-up, establishing a shared understanding of how his work complements the Gloverall brand.
For the anniversary capsule, that collaboration continues. Aaron developed a series of original graphics, applied across a small run of pieces, including the Unisex Ivy Boys Anniversary Graphic Sweatshirt, Men’s Ivy Boys Anniversary Graphic T-shirt, and Unisex Ivy Boys Anniversary Graphic Hoodie.
We spoke with Aaron about his work and the thinking behind the collaboration.
1. What first drew you to illustrating clothing and style?
"There wasn’t a particularly grand reason. About five years ago, I started illustrating as a hobby while working a full-time job. The act of drawing itself, and the process of pursuing what I naturally like, led me to focus on clothing and style. It felt natural to draw the things I’m drawn to."
2. Where do you usually look for inspiration when creating your characters and scenes?
"Most of my work starts from my own wardrobe and everyday life. The clothes I actually wear, the brands I like, and the scenes I observe around me. Rather than trying to create something entirely new,
I’m more interested in reinterpreting things that already exist by looking at them slightly differently. So my work is closer to observation than imagination."
3. How do you approach translating clothing into illustration?
"I’m not particularly interested in drawing things accurately. What matters more to me is how the garment felt, and how it stays in memory. So I simplify a lot of details while keeping what feels essential, and I pay close attention to silhouette and balance. Also, coming from a background in advertising and branding, I approach illustration in a similar way to logo design. I value form, and aim for something that sits between a logo and a drawing— something that reads instantly."
4. What was the starting point for the graphics you created for Gloverall’s 75th anniversary?
"I believe everything changes. I’m interested in that change and in contemporary reinterpretation— starting from a traditional foundation, but adding my own perspective. This collaboration was also about presenting Gloverall in a more modern way. The character I draw, Ivy Boy, represents a sense of innocence or boyhood that still exists within adults. I felt that this perspective, combined with my way of drawing, would create a natural synergy with a heritage brand like Gloverall, which carries 75 years of history."
5. Was there a particular Gloverall piece that influenced the illustrations the most?
"The duffle coat had the biggest influence. Gloverall’s duffle coat is personally meaningful to me — it was something I bought with my first salary from my first job. I’m drawn to items that carry history and strong identity, and I enjoy reinterpreting them in a more contemporary way. To me, Gloverall’s duffle coat is an iconic piece that continues to resonate from the past into the present."
