DESCENTE ALLTERRAIN × Oliver Hooson
- Launch
- 10.24.2025
Oliver Hooson
“Oliver Hooson is an East London based creative, who celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of urban life through his distinctive style and photography. In addition to his work within the fields of fashion and design, he is an avid cyclist, runner and traveller. He regularly explores new destinations on his bike, and draws inspiration from different cultures and landscapes to incorporate into his visual storytelling. Beyond his photography and content production, Oliver is a champion of community building through his running club Your Friendly Runners and cafe Knees Up Space, a meeting spot for runners and a place for pre and post movement. “
Q.1.
How do you ensure your voice is translated visually in a global market?
I’ve always leaned into a fairly minimal style — it’s what feels most natural to me. Whether that translates globally or not is something I’ve questioned, but the influence has always been consistent: Japan and the Scandis. That balance of function, simplicity, and intention just makes sense to me, and I think people can feel when something’s genuinely aligned with who you are, regardless of where they’re from.
Q.2.
Do you consider your style to be a part of your voice?
Not really. It’s a weird contrast actually — my style is super muted, minimal, calm… but my life is usually the opposite. I’m always moving, juggling a lot. So no, it doesn’t always match. But maybe that’s the point — my style becomes the quiet space in the noise.
Q.3.
What do you consider to be most important when dressing? Aesthetic or honesty?
Honesty. 100%. There was a time I wouldn’t wear skate shoes even though I liked the look — just because I wasn’t a skateboarder, I was a rollerblader. It felt wrong, like I’d be wearing something that wasn’t mine. So yeah, I’d rather something be a bit off aesthetically than feel false.
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Q.4.
As a multi-disciplinarian creative, when do you feel most complete in your practice?
Probably that moment after a good job or a trip, when I’m sat in the city with a coffee and an SD card full of images. That quiet reflection — when the work’s done and I can actually see what I captured — that’s when it all clicks.
Q.5.
Travel is the ultimate means to bestowing upon us both cultural empathy and a deeper understanding of our world. Is there a place you have travelled to that has completely changed how you think and feel?
Tokyo reset everything for me. It’s hard to explain — just a full sensory shift. But then also cities like London, New York, Bangkok, Hong Kong — they all hit in different ways. There’s something about being in high-stimulus environments that forces you to see yourself and your ideas from a new angle.
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Q.6.
Where are you happiest?
Chamonix. 100%. Oddly, it doesn’t spark creativity for me — but maybe that’s the magic of it. Being surrounded by those huge mountains, feeling totally insignificant in the best way. It removes me from the work, from the noise. Just quiet happiness.
Q.7.
Do you travel heavy or light?
Always light. Minimalism is non-negotiable. One running kit — rinse it post-run and hang it. Two pairs of shoes max, usually just a pair of runners and something casual. If I’m packing more than that, I’ve gone wrong somewhere.
Q.8.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your artistic journey?
Don’t chase perfection. That’s the habit that’s held me back the most. Done is always better than perfect — and progress only happens when you move.