The rap icon admits swapping the bustling capital city for the great outdoors has had a huge impact on his mental health
British rap icon Professor Green has revealed swapping bustling London for the great outdoors has boosted his mental health. The 42-year-old feels living in a city can make people forget how much of a difference getting outside can make.
He says his passion for spending time outdoors has had ‘a real impact’ on his mental health.
Green said: “Living in London, you get so used to the constant noise and hustle that it is easy to forget how much of a difference getting outdoors can make. For me, stepping away from the city and spending time outside helps clear my head and reset.
“That connection to the outdoors has had a real impact on my mental health, and it has changed how I think about what I wear too. You want pieces that can handle the elements but still feel right when you’re back in the city. It’s about function and style working hand in hand, not one or the other.”
Professor Green has unveiled a bold new chapter for outdoor retailer Blacks. They aim to become the destination where outdoor heritage meets modern, everyday style. The Read All About It hitmaker’s exclusive range focused on pieces that can be worn for outdoor activities but wouldn’t look out of place in the city.
Blacks’ relaunch marks the retailer’s 160th birthday and they say it reflects a growing cultural shift as outdoor-inspired fashion moves beyond expeditions to shape how people dress every day.
They claim they’ve transformed from a traditional outdoor retailer into a curated, style-led destination. Pinnacle stores in Brighton, Glasgow, Yorkshire’s Meadowhall and Harrogate and Merseyside’s Aintree have been refreshed to showcase premium brands and innovative gear.
They say they’ve been designed so ‘technical performance and contemporary styling coexist seamlessly’. New research by Blacks reveals that outdoor-inspired lifestyles are on the rise with more than half of Brits (51%) having tried a new outdoor activity in the past year.
It’s believed many are drawn to these activities not only for fitness, but for mental clarity, social connection and a break from city life. The research also found 74% of Brits are regularly wearing clothing designed for outdoor activities in everyday settings, with 29% doing so several times a week.
Comfort and functionality remain key drivers, with 65% prioritising comfort and 42% seeking functionality. Aesthetic appeal is increasingly influential as 72% agree outdoor clothing has become more fashionable over the past few years.
In response, Blacks is taking a highly curated approach, spotlighting premium brands including The North Face, Berghaus, Columbia, Mountain Equipment, Rab, Merrell, Montane, and OEX.
Blacks says they’re focused on placing the right brands and products front and centre, ‘merging heritage outdoor performance with modern style’.
Carly Czuba from Blacks said: “This relaunch marks a real evolution for Blacks. We are building on our outdoor heritage and reframing it for how people actually live and dress today.
“Outdoor gear is no longer just for the trail, it is part of everyday style, and our refreshed stores, curated brand mix and collaboration with Professor Green reflect that shift.
“We want Blacks to feel like a destination where performance, quality and contemporary style come together, whether you’re heading outdoors or navigating the city.”
You can view Professor Green’s range, here and Blacks’ lookbook, here.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
