Victoria Park Vixens
To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we’re championing inclusivity in sport. We’ve teamed up with our local football teams in East London to find out why it’s important for sport to be inclusive and how we as a fashion brand can support female athletes. We spoke to Morgan and Charlotte from the Victoria Park Vixens to get their take.
Victoria Park Vixens
To celebrate International Women’s Day we’re championing inclusivity in sport. We’ve teamed up with our local football teams in East London to find out why it’s important for sport to be inclusive and how we as a fashion brand can support female athletes. We spoke to Morgan and Charlotte from the Victoria Park Vixens to get their take.
Q&A
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
Tell us your story
Morgan: My name is Morgan and I’m a 30 year old woman living and working in London. I currently lead a women’s football brand called INDIVISA which aims to celebrate all aspects of the women’s game, and empower fans and players to enjoy the game how they like and deserve. We cover the women’s game from grassroots to elite so my day job crosses over with my club, Victoria Park Vixens, alot.
I founded Vixens in 2019 with the aim of meeting like minded women who enjoyed playing football and wanted to come together regularly to play, but also just to hang out. Fast forward five years and we have multiple teams and over 50 players in the club.
What do the Victoria Park Vixens bring to the world of sport?
Charlotte: We don’t take ourselves too seriously, whilst also enjoying being competitive and of course winning. We have a laugh and enjoy the lifestyle component to the club like designing our kits and creating merch. It’s not all serious!
Who inspires you?
Morgan: Honestly, every woman who has pursued sport as their profession and career is an inspiration to me. Whether it’s on the field as an athletic role or behind the scenes, there are endless barriers to break, agendas to push and opinions to change so the relentless energy and drive needed to succeed and push forward in this space is commendable. It’s the women around me who inspire me.
How can we inspire inclusion in sport?
Morgan: We can inspire further inclusion by celebrating communities, clubs, leagues or sports who are doing great things in this space. Inclusion across all sports needs to become the norm, with barriers broken and a more open mind towards all people participating in whatever sport they want.
Tell us your story
Morgan: My name is Morgan and I’m a 30 year old woman living and working in London. I currently lead a women’s football brand called INDIVISA which aims to celebrate all aspects of the women’s game, and empower fans and players to enjoy the game how they like and deserve. We cover the women’s game from grassroots to elite so my day job crosses over with my club, Victoria Park Vixens, alot.
I founded Vixens in 2019 with the aim of meeting like minded women who enjoyed playing football and wanted to come together regularly to play, but also just to hang out. Fast forward five years and we have multiple teams and over 50 players in the club.
What do the Victoria Park Vixens bring to the world of sport?
Charlotte: We don’t take ourselves too seriously, whilst also enjoying being competitive and of course winning. We have a laugh and enjoy the lifestyle component to the club like designing our kits and creating merch. It’s not all serious!
Who inspires you?
Morgan: Honestly, every woman who has pursued sport as their profession and career is an inspiration to me. Whether it’s on the field as an athletic role or behind the scenes, there are endless barriers to break, agendas to push and opinions to change so the relentless energy and drive needed to succeed and push forward in this space is commendable. It’s the women around me who inspire me.
How can we inspire inclusion in sport?
Morgan: We can inspire further inclusion by celebrating communities, clubs, leagues or sports who are doing great things in this space. Inclusion across all sports needs to become the norm, with barriers broken and a more open mind towards all people participating in whatever sport they want.
Why is it important for sport to be inclusive?
Charlotte: You can’t be what you can’t see, so if young people can‘t see themselves reflected in professional sports whether that’s on the TV, in the stadium, or even in their local teams, then they won’t believe that they have the choice or ability to be a part of that. That is such a tremendous shame for any young person to feel excluded from sport of any type, and they need to see themselves represented in order to inspire more young people to play and watch sport.
What changes do you want to see in sport?
Charlotte: In the women’s football federations and leagues at an elite professional level, the faces you see are not accurately representative of the wider UK female demographic. The squads need to be more diverse, finding talent from avenues different to their traditional routes. This needs to change immediately to ensure young girls across the UK don’t feel disenfranchised or disconnected from the women’s game, or that it is not for them, because it is.
What challenges have you faced as a female/LGBTQIA+ football player, and how have you overcome them?
Morgan: There are endless challenges that differ between individual experiences from micro aggressions to outright misogyny. It can be incredibly exhausting and disheartening, but with the amazing community that I am a part of, I have always felt supported and encouraged - I would never let some city boy bully me off a pitch on a Tuesday night!
In what ways do you believe the clothing choices of athletes can empower them beyond their performance on the field?
Morgan: I’ve always believed that the way you style yourself is a powerful form of self expression, individuality and can also reflect the way you feel about yourself in that moment. I love when players have a bit of flair to their on-pitch style through accessories, boot colour or the way they wear their socks – it adds some personality to who they are despite being in uniform.
Are there particular changes you would like to see fashion brands make to support athletes?
Morgan: There is a huge opportunity for brands outside of the traditional sponsors we are familiar with to endorse athletes and clubs whilst investing in the women’s game. Audience crossover interest in women’s football, fashion and beauty creates really exciting potential for authentic investments. The traditional setups and archaic sponsorship formats don’t necessarily exist in the women’s game in the same way – so it’s open for anyone to get involved and push the game forward.
Favourite piece from the ALIGNE collection?
Charlotte: I am genuinely never not in a cardigan, so the Michelle ribbed cardigan in black is going to be a staple. I think I need it in green too.
Why is it important for sport to be inclusive?
Charlotte: You can’t be what you can’t see, so if young people can‘t see themselves reflected in professional sports whether that’s on the TV, in the stadium, or even in their local teams, then they won’t believe that they have the choice or ability to be a part of that. That is such a tremendous shame for any young person to feel excluded from sport of any type, and they need to see themselves represented in order to inspire more young people to play and watch sport.
What changes do you want to see in sport?
Charlotte: In the women’s football federations and leagues at an elite professional level, the faces you see are not accurately representative of the wider UK female demographic. The squads need to be more diverse, finding talent from avenues different to their traditional routes. This needs to change immediately to ensure young girls across the UK don’t feel disenfranchised or disconnected from the women’s game, or that it is not for them, because it is.
What challenges have you faced as a female/LGBTQIA+ football player, and how have you overcome them?
Morgan: There are endless challenges that differ between individual experiences from micro aggressions to outright misogyny. It can be incredibly exhausting and disheartening, but with the amazing community that I am a part of, I have always felt supported and encouraged - I would never let some city boy bully me off a pitch on a Tuesday night!
In what ways do you believe the clothing choices of athletes can empower them beyond their performance on the field?
Morgan: I’ve always believed that the way you style yourself is a powerful form of self expression, individuality and can also reflect the way you feel about yourself in that moment. I love when players have a bit of flair to their on-pitch style through accessories, boot colour or the way they wear their socks – it adds some personality to who they are despite being in uniform.
ARE THERE PARTICULAR CHANGES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE FASHION BRANDS MAKE TO SUPPORT ATHLETES?
Morgan: There is a huge opportunity for brands outside of the traditional sponsors we are familiar with to endorse athletes and clubs whilst investing in the women’s game. Audience crossover interest in women’s football, fashion and beauty creates really exciting potential for authentic investments. The traditional setups and archaic sponsorship formats don’t necessarily exist in the women’s game in the same way – so it’s open for anyone to get involved and push the game forward.
Favourite piece from the ALIGNE collection?
Charlotte: I am genuinely never not in a cardigan, so the Michelle ribbed cardigan in black is going to be a staple. I think I need it in green too.