H&M announced the upcoming release of Edition by John Boyega, a more sustainable menswear collection worn by one of the world’s most inspiring actors and changemakers. The new Edition collection features autumn’s key looks constructed from recycled, organic and innovative materials, such as Vegea — a vegan alternative to leather, partly made from waste from the winemaking industry.

John Boyega is a British-Nigerian actor and producer, known for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy films and, most recently, for his Golden Globe winning performance in the film series Small Axe. Off screen, Boyega is admired worldwide for serving fashion-forward styles, and for being a passionate advocate for racial justice. 

 “I’m excited to collaborate with H&M on a collection that aligns my passions with purpose. Sustainability to me, means thinking about longevity for the benefit of those coming after us. This collaboration has already birthed opportunities for fresh dynamic creatives. Two birds with one stone”

John Boyega. 

Golden Globe winner John Boyega has earned recognition not only for his acting, but also for standing up for the changes he wants to see in the world. For Boyega, voicing your truth is one of the most powerful tools for driving empathy and change. Now he joins forces with H&M on the release of Edition by John Boyega, an uncompromising menswear collection that pushes for sustainability and celebrates the changemakers that tries to do good for the world. 

 “John Boyega is a brave leader of a generation that’s speaking up for change, believing there’s a better way to treat each other and the planet. H&M is proud to team up with John for Edition by John Boyega, a contemporary, more sustainable collection for men.”

Ross Lydon, Head of Menswear Design at H&M. 

Edition by John Boyega fuses effortless workwear pieces with floral prints and tie-dye patterns. The collection is made using more sustainable materials, in line with H&M’s commitment to move fashion into a more sustainable future. In the new menswear line, cotton is organic or recycled from textile-production waste or post-consumer waste; nylons and polyesters are recycled, while viscose fibers are from sustainable sources. With each piece, Edition by John Boyega proves the season’s key pieces can be made in a more sustainable way. A striking checked coat, partly made from premium Italian recycled wool, is sure to make an unforgettable impression. A timeless organic cotton striped shirt has a roomy cut, while a zip-off puffer jacket (online exclusive), crafted from the innovative material Vegea, can be quickly transformed from jacket to vest. 

Shirts and trousers have a relaxed feel, ideal for the new season, as do a knitted green cardigan and a yellow rollneck, all with a roomy silhouette. A pink tie-dye sweatshirt and the T-shirts are emblazoned with the hopeful reminder “A better present leads to a better future”, alongside a graphic of planet Earth in action. The collection is completed by a tote bag with these graphics, plus a floral cap and pink tie-dye canvas trainers. 

We wanted to know more about the collection from John Boyega himself and this is what he had to say.

What has shaped you into the man that you are today? a man who dares to speak out and stand up for what you believe in. Have you always been like this? 
My family and my experiences have shaped me into the man I am today. I’m not sure if I’ve always been like this. I know I haven’t walked through life addressing absolutely everything but I’ve learned a balance. So we can say I’ve been evolving over time. 

What’s your philosophy when it comes to courage and speaking your truth? Why is that important to you? 
When someone speaks their truth boldly it breaks us out of our reality. Gives us a moment to put ourselves in other people’s shoes. We stop and we genuinely start to empathize or at the very least understand.  That’s why it’s important for people to speak out 

What kind of change/s do you want to see in your industry and the world? Why? 
I feel like our audience are ready for fresh new original stories. They know all the tricks, but I feel like people love a good story at the end of the day. I hope to see more opportunities for young talent. I also want to continue to help with that.

You’ve said in an interview that you want to be a door to others, to give them opportunities. Can you speak a little more about this? 
Well, I was given opportunities through my journey in this and that support has helped put me where I am today. I believe in doubling up on that. Bless others. Especially without an audience or cameras. 

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? What advice or life lessons learned do you want to share with young people that follow you? 
I’d tell my younger self to stop rocking those strange jeans with those busted loafers. To young people I’d say try to remain curious when finding your passions and if you do find it, remember to remain a fan of it no matter where it takes you. Remember that failure is a part of any process. Take care of you while trying to navigate this and drink water. 

What beliefs and values guide you when you make career and life decisions? Can you give an example when your values have helped you make an important decision? 
There’s a combination with this! For my career choices I collaborate mainly with Femi Oguns, who is my agent, and also taught me at Identity Drama School. I believe in God and the strategy behind positive manifestations in life. This all influences the choices I make as a person firstly and as an actor 

There are many definitions of sustainability out there. The Brundtland Commission’s definition in 1987: “Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” What does sustainability mean to you?
For me sustainability means thinking about longevity for the benefit of those coming after us. It means using our current passions to create opportunities that exist past our life time. 

What’s your relationship to fashion? How does great style make you feel? 
Great style will boost your confidence for sure and when I love a fit, I feel good inside and out. I wouldn’t say I’m the most patient with shopping itself but I love to look good and I love finding clothes that represent who I am. Even if others don’t like it, I’ll still enjoy how it makes me feel. 

What are you most happy about regarding this collaboration with H&M?
This collaboration started off with an honest conversation and a shared vision. I’m excited to see a collaboration that aligns my passions with purpose and I’m happy that this collab has already birthed opportunities for fresh dynamic creatives. Two birds with one stone 

Edition by John Boyega will be available at kw.hm.com and in selected stores 28 October with prices starting from KD 4.99.