Lockdown Listening: Terry Ellis from BEAMS fennica
One thing that unites us all and keeps us inspired and motivated, especially in a time of crisis, is the love for music. We asked a few of our stockists and fellow music lovers to share what tracks are keeping them sane during
Terry Ellis is the buyer and director for fennica , a sub-brand of BEAMS Japan. He has been at the forefront of developments in fashion and clothing in Europe and Japan for 30+ years. In our industry, he is hugely respected and renowned as an expert on many cultural aspects as well as trends and directions.
Terry has been a long time champion of Scandinavian mid-century furniture and ceramics as well as the go-to expert in all things Japanese Mingei, a movement he has helped to establish a renaissance for. The movement highlighted well made, functional, artistic but affordable objects. He continues to do that today. Along with his partner Keiko he has been buying from Universal Works since the early days of our company. He found our brand at our first season showing in Paris and took it to Tokyo.
Anyone who knows him knows that he is pretty passionate and hugely knowledgable about his music. Growing up in Jamaica and London and having the influence of Ska, Reggae, Soul, Punk he has developed a love of well crafted and diverse music. Always inspiring and one of the nicest guys in the industry too.
This is Terry's playlist for a Saturday evening in a lockdown Tokyo.
Check out his Instagram too, its a delight of his travels, people he meets, great interior and great clothes too.
What is your current favourite “feel good” track to listen to in lockdown?
Lady Day and John Coltrane by Gil Scott-Heron.
What was your all-time favourite act to see live and or favourite club to go to?
Aswad in their prime at The Budokan in 1985 or ‘86.
What’s your favourite outfit for wearing at home in lockdown?
fennica army chinos, fennica chambray shirt, fennica Shetland Rasta cardi, UW. cotton Ikat scarf.
You spend time in London and Tokyo- they are both your home - how do you feel lockdown or physical distance measures differ in Tokyo to London?
Tokyo is empty in the centre, but the suburbs not so much. I left London a few days before lockdown so I don't really know the difference.
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