THE BRAND NEW BANKSY
MAJOR FIRMS COURT MYSTERY MAN Artist’s spin on fashion labels gains cult following
A camera-shy Instagram artist has become the Banksy of the fashion world by refusing to reveal his real identity.
Graphic artist Hey Reilly has worked with brands including Gucci, Nike, Lamborghini and Coca- Cola.
And the Scot has just returned from Milan, where he collaborated with Fendi, for the Italian fashion house ’ s latest men’s and women’swear collections.
His colourful pop art and playful re-workings of iconic logos have made him one of the country’s brightest talents.
But Reilly, who grew up just outside Glasgow, won’t reveal his real name, just like street artist Banksy.
He said: “I think the work sits better if I’m not in the mix as an identity.”
Reilly started experimenting with logo design while an art student in London and now his work has celebrity fans including Kylie Minogue. He posted reappropriated versions of some of the world’s most iconic brands on his Instagram account. From Harry and Meghan’s engagement pictures with H& M branding to Lidl carrier bags with Lanvin logos, his art has developed a huge following. And he wasn’t afraid lawyers for the brands might hunt him down. He said: “I wasn’t worried about brands unti l they did get in touch but luckily it was to offer to work with them. Gucci, Nike and Coca- Cola all came that way.”