Wild Things! Gary Baseman Brings His Quirky Coach Creatures To London

Want to know where the wild things are? Then head to the Coach store on London's New Bond Street, which has been overtaken by Gary Baseman's playful creatures.

The Californian artist adorned the Spring Summer 2015 collection with his anime characters - each created with their own characteristics, names and cheeky charm - and now they've arrived in our fair city as part of a brilliant window installation. We got a sneak preview during an intimate breakfast at the flagship store where we witnessed Gary in action, creating a live - yes, live! - illustration.

Baseman’s drawings have been published in The New York-er and* Rolling Stone*, but this is his first ever project with the world of fashion. It's a fitting choice considering the characters fit perfectly with the surreal and eerie moments from the David Lynch films that inspired Stuart Vevers when designing the collection. Yes, the Coach creatures might look fluffy and colourful, but take a closer look and you'll see a a darker edge that gives them an extra depth.

There's Emmanuel Hare-Ray, named in homage to surrealist artist Man Ray, who is "made blind, her hands are tied and she has this fear of living in her own head,” says Baseman. Meanwhile, Kiki Spiritual Awareness is the “good girl”, but she has “been thrown out of the gang because of her beauty and originality.”

So which is his favourite? The wild beast ‘Le Fauve’ print. In Gary’s own words, “Everyone can have their role to play, like the wild beasts. They are there to represent the passion for life. The desire to live one’s life”.