This article is taken from the spring 2025 issue of Dazed. Buy a copy of the magazinehere.
Friends Are Always Welcomed (FAAW) is a London-based creative production company redefining how the city’s emerging talents are captured. Led by executive producer Oniqur Rahman and producer Anthony Idahosa, FAAW crafts striking, concept-driven visuals, collaborating with artists including PinkPantheress, Len, Fimiguerrero and our cover star, Jim Legxacy, to help London’s creative scene flourish.
Oniquir wears nylon jacket THE NORTH FACE, trousers his own, rubber and canvas trainers NIKE. Ant wears cotton and polyester jacket HERESY, cotton vest, T-shirt and denim trousers CARHARTT WIP, shoes his ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where are you based?
Oniqur Rahman: Upton Park in Newham, east London.
Ant Idahosa: Essex, in a small town just outside of London called Ockendon.
What do you do?
Oniqur Rahman: I run the production company Friends Are Always Welcomed.
Ant Idahosa: I’m the producer of FAAW – I have the pleasure of making things happen.
Why do you do it?
Oniqur Rahman: To create opportunities and build infrastructure for people from similar backgrounds to me and Ant, allowing stories to be told from all parts of the world, every culture, every person-especially those from Asian, Black and working-class [backgrounds]. We aim to create a level playing field.
Ant Idahosa: I want to showcase to others from our background that they can do it too. Five years ago I had no clue what a producer was or anything about film production. Now it’s something that motivates me to get out of bed.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Oniqur Rahman: Surrounded by my friends and family, making the world’s greatest films. Criterion Collection/BFI, let’s talk soon.
Ant Idahosa: Creating the best and biggest things for our culture.
photography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
What excites you most about the future of art, design or creativity in general?
Oniqur Rahman: Access means that anyone, anywhere, can tell their story using materials they can find around them. You no longer need an Arri Alexa 35 or 100 days to make a film – you can do it on your phone, shoot, edit and distribute all in the same day. Now more than ever, real stories can break through and connect with the people they are meant to reach.
Ant Idahosa: The barriers are starting to break down, the hurdles are becoming smaller – for all those people who once had little to no opportunities to enter this space, light is starting to appear at the end of the tunnel.
What would a world built entirely by the new gen look like?
Oniqur Rahman: People are more willing to take risks when they fully understand the rules, and the new gen has access to information and tools that allow us to grasp everything. This means a new-gen world will be home to the most interesting, mind-bending and exciting cultures, stories and art.
Ant Idahosa: It would be an interesting one, much more efficient than people would think. We like to cut through the red tape and create without jumping through all the hoops. We like to fail and learn and try again. I think it would be a lot more beautiful and welcoming for all.
If you had to throw away a new-gen trend, what would it be?
Oniqur Rahman: Not trying. To the individual who is reading this, please quit overthinking everything every day and night. Stop obsessing over your failures. Stop doubting yourself and seeing the greatness in everyone else but you. You’re better than that.
Ant Idahosa: Brain-rotting – it’s something I’m trying to kick myself. It sounds silly and pretty simple but I think it’s time we stopped consuming so much and started creating. Overconsumption has hindered so many minds and left so many lacking inspiration in their own ambitions. Let’s get up and get to work!
Where is the best place to eat and what should you order?
Oniqur Rahman: Vijay’s Chawalla on Green Street, masala dosa. Mortar and Pestle near Baker Street, pad thai.
Ant Idahosa: Lebanese Grill, the Brick Lane one.
Who from the new gen has inspired you most?
Oniqur Rahman: Burnermunde [Arran Ashan and Mustafa Mohamoud] and PinkPantheress. My dear friends are rule-breakers and glass-ceiling-breakers in film and music, but most inspiringly they create art that is meaningful and important using tools that anyone can use. They’re all so wavy and I love them dearly.
Ant Idahosa: Pana Run Club – [it’s] a run club my friends and I started in 2024. We just wanted to find a new way to meet and socialise – there are so many wasteful conversations at parties and no true space where we can talk and see each other. So we combined that goal with our love for running and created PRC. Now, we’ve amassed over 1,000 members and have hundreds of people running with us every week.
Best place to go shopping?
Oniqur Rahman: eBay.
Ant Idahosa: Lakeside.
Give us a local gem or secret spot?
Oniqur Rahman: Upton Park snooker club – it’s open 24/7.
Where’s your favourite London spot to disconnect and recharge?
Oniqur Rahman: BFI Southbank, Curzon Aldgate and the Prince Charles Cinema – go support independent British films.
Ant Idahosa: The walk from Liverpool Street to Dalston. The transition from the business of Liverpool Street to the calm of Haggerston has helped me a ton in times of need; it helps me refocus.
Maddy Thornalley, the designer behind London-based brand Hurtence, is redefining headwear with her handcrafted, upcycled “mad hats”. Blending sustainability with her whimsical and colourful designs, her work ranges from snakehead baseball caps to leopard-print fascinators.
Maddy wears wool jacket and trousers FERRAGAMO, shirt and all accessories her ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Maddy Thornalley: Still stacking hats.
Where are you based?
Maddy Thornalley: South-east London.
What do you do?
Maddy Thornalley: Milliner and style driver at Ton Magazine.
Why do you do it?
Maddy Thornalley: Hats are moods. You change it, you change your character.
What excites you most about the future of art, design or creativity in general?
Maddy Thornalley: Being able to learn skills without institutions.
photography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where’s your favourite London spot to disconnect and recharge?
Maddy Thornalley: Walking along the Thames in Rotherhithe any time of year, watching the boats go by. Even better with a cold breeze; it’s like a bath.
Where is the best place to eat and what should you order?
Maddy Thornalley: Ogam in Angel – order the Danji flaming pine-cone cocktail.
Best place to go shopping?
Maddy Thornalley: Made in the Borough at the Ragged School Museum. The shop is open intermittently and is stocked with a selection of London’s best clothes, hats, cutlery, trinkets and tea.
Give us a local gem or secret spot?
Maddy Thornalley: Lant Street Wine. It’s practically my living room.
FDfromtheFuture (Fabio Dessena) is a London-based presenter and social-media personality known for his sharp streetwear commentary and viral interviews with stars like Skepta and Central Cee. From reviewing sneakers at home to being one of London’s voices of the youth, FD has become a key voice in UK fashion culture.
Fabio wears nylon jacket C.P. COMPANY, cotton jumper HERESY, trousers, cap and all jewellery his ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where are you based?
FDfromtheFuture: London.
What do you do?
FDfromtheFuture: Document culture.
What would a world built entirely by the new gen look like?
FDfromtheFuture: I hope a lot more caring and appreciative.
If you had to throw away a new-gen trend, what would it be?
FDfromtheFuture: Entitlement.
Who from the new gen has inspired you most?
FDfromtheFuture: I’m inspired every day by the movers and shakers of the new gen and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.
Why do you do it?
FDfromtheFuture: I love documenting history in my own way.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
FDfromtheFuture: Happy, with a family, being free with my creativity and having peace.
Fabio wears all clothes HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE, all accessories and shoes his ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
What excites you most about the future of art, design or creativity in general?
FDfromtheFuture: The disruption of it all. It was a bit stale for a while, but in the last five years it has become more disruptive, against the grain and that’s healthy. Creativity is the power of being unique – for a while everyone was the same.
Where is the best place to eat and what should you order?
FDfromtheFuture: Berenjak in Soho, jujeh kabab tond with rice.
Give us a local gem or secret spot?
FDfromtheFuture: Abraço, Green Lanes.
Where’s your favourite London spot to disconnect and recharge?
FDfromtheFuture: My yard.
With hazy, relaxed melodies and thoughtful lyricism, Sunken establishes a unique sonic identity that transports you back into the melancholy and turmoil of your angsty teenage years. Guided by sibling duo Poppy and Finn Billingham, the London-based band channels the spirit of 90s titans such as Nirvana and Slowdive, while creating a sound that feels wholly fresh and personal.
Clem wears jumper and shoes his own, wool trousers DSQUARED2. Poppy wears chiffon dress DSQUARED2, cotton dress worn underneath HERESY, socks her own, leather pumps FERRAGAMO. Finn wears cotton T-shirt LOUIE EDISON, jeans and shoes his own. Jonah wears cotton hoodie CARHARTT WIP, T-shirt his own, jeans stylist’s own. Finn wears suede jacket AMIRI, tank top, jeans and shoes his ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where are you based?
Sunken: South-east London.
What do you do?
Poppy Billingham: I sing and play bass in my band.
Why do you do it?
Poppy Billingham: I guess I love music and it’s what comes naturally to me; I can’t imagine not pursuing it.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Poppy Billingham: I don’t like to think too far ahead, it sort of freaks me out. But as long as I’m happy and I live somewhere hot and I’m able to make music, that would be dreamy.
Give us a local gem or secret spot?
Poppy Billingham: Van Hing in Camberwell.
What excites you most about the future of art, design or creativity in general?
Finn Billingham: Technology eroding the financial obstacles to making your art come to life the way you want it to. More control.
What would a world built entirely by the new gen look like?
Finn Billingham: Digital.
If you had to throw away a new-gen trend, what would it be?
Finn Billingham: Short attention spans.
Where is the best place to eat and what should you order?
Poppy Billingham: Theo’s in Camberwell – order the aubergine parmigiana.
Best place to go shopping?
Poppy Billingham: In London, probably Brick Lane, because there are so many nice shops.
Where’s your favourite London spot to disconnect and recharge?
Poppy Billingham: To be honest, I love just being on the overground when it’s not too busy. I feel like I can really zone out and just have my headphones on and collect my thoughts.
Photographic assistants JIVAN WEST, ALISTAIR MCVEIGH, styling assistant EMMA GOVEY
in HTML format, including tags, to make it appealing and easy to read for Japanese-speaking readers aged 20 to 40 interested in fashion. Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), translating all text, including headings, into Japanese. Retain any existing tags from
This article is taken from the spring 2025 issue of Dazed. Buy a copy of the magazinehere.
Friends Are Always Welcomed (FAAW) is a London-based creative production company redefining how the city’s emerging talents are captured. Led by executive producer Oniqur Rahman and producer Anthony Idahosa, FAAW crafts striking, concept-driven visuals, collaborating with artists including PinkPantheress, Len, Fimiguerrero and our cover star, Jim Legxacy, to help London’s creative scene flourish.
Oniquir wears nylon jacket THE NORTH FACE, trousers his own, rubber and canvas trainers NIKE. Ant wears cotton and polyester jacket HERESY, cotton vest, T-shirt and denim trousers CARHARTT WIP, shoes his ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where are you based?
Oniqur Rahman: Upton Park in Newham, east London.
Ant Idahosa: Essex, in a small town just outside of London called Ockendon.
What do you do?
Oniqur Rahman: I run the production company Friends Are Always Welcomed.
Ant Idahosa: I’m the producer of FAAW – I have the pleasure of making things happen.
Why do you do it?
Oniqur Rahman: To create opportunities and build infrastructure for people from similar backgrounds to me and Ant, allowing stories to be told from all parts of the world, every culture, every person-especially those from Asian, Black and working-class [backgrounds]. We aim to create a level playing field.
Ant Idahosa: I want to showcase to others from our background that they can do it too. Five years ago I had no clue what a producer was or anything about film production. Now it’s something that motivates me to get out of bed.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Oniqur Rahman: Surrounded by my friends and family, making the world’s greatest films. Criterion Collection/BFI, let’s talk soon.
Ant Idahosa: Creating the best and biggest things for our culture.
photography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
What excites you most about the future of art, design or creativity in general?
Oniqur Rahman: Access means that anyone, anywhere, can tell their story using materials they can find around them. You no longer need an Arri Alexa 35 or 100 days to make a film – you can do it on your phone, shoot, edit and distribute all in the same day. Now more than ever, real stories can break through and connect with the people they are meant to reach.
Ant Idahosa: The barriers are starting to break down, the hurdles are becoming smaller – for all those people who once had little to no opportunities to enter this space, light is starting to appear at the end of the tunnel.
What would a world built entirely by the new gen look like?
Oniqur Rahman: People are more willing to take risks when they fully understand the rules, and the new gen has access to information and tools that allow us to grasp everything. This means a new-gen world will be home to the most interesting, mind-bending and exciting cultures, stories and art.
Ant Idahosa: It would be an interesting one, much more efficient than people would think. We like to cut through the red tape and create without jumping through all the hoops. We like to fail and learn and try again. I think it would be a lot more beautiful and welcoming for all.
If you had to throw away a new-gen trend, what would it be?
Oniqur Rahman: Not trying. To the individual who is reading this, please quit overthinking everything every day and night. Stop obsessing over your failures. Stop doubting yourself and seeing the greatness in everyone else but you. You’re better than that.
Ant Idahosa: Brain-rotting – it’s something I’m trying to kick myself. It sounds silly and pretty simple but I think it’s time we stopped consuming so much and started creating. Overconsumption has hindered so many minds and left so many lacking inspiration in their own ambitions. Let’s get up and get to work!
Where is the best place to eat and what should you order?
Oniqur Rahman: Vijay’s Chawalla on Green Street, masala dosa. Mortar and Pestle near Baker Street, pad thai.
Ant Idahosa: Lebanese Grill, the Brick Lane one.
Who from the new gen has inspired you most?
Oniqur Rahman: Burnermunde [Arran Ashan and Mustafa Mohamoud] and PinkPantheress. My dear friends are rule-breakers and glass-ceiling-breakers in film and music, but most inspiringly they create art that is meaningful and important using tools that anyone can use. They’re all so wavy and I love them dearly.
Ant Idahosa: Pana Run Club – [it’s] a run club my friends and I started in 2024. We just wanted to find a new way to meet and socialise – there are so many wasteful conversations at parties and no true space where we can talk and see each other. So we combined that goal with our love for running and created PRC. Now, we’ve amassed over 1,000 members and have hundreds of people running with us every week.
Best place to go shopping?
Oniqur Rahman: eBay.
Ant Idahosa: Lakeside.
Give us a local gem or secret spot?
Oniqur Rahman: Upton Park snooker club – it’s open 24/7.
Where’s your favourite London spot to disconnect and recharge?
Oniqur Rahman: BFI Southbank, Curzon Aldgate and the Prince Charles Cinema – go support independent British films.
Ant Idahosa: The walk from Liverpool Street to Dalston. The transition from the business of Liverpool Street to the calm of Haggerston has helped me a ton in times of need; it helps me refocus.
Maddy Thornalley, the designer behind London-based brand Hurtence, is redefining headwear with her handcrafted, upcycled “mad hats”. Blending sustainability with her whimsical and colourful designs, her work ranges from snakehead baseball caps to leopard-print fascinators.
Maddy wears wool jacket and trousers FERRAGAMO, shirt and all accessories her ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Maddy Thornalley: Still stacking hats.
Where are you based?
Maddy Thornalley: South-east London.
What do you do?
Maddy Thornalley: Milliner and style driver at Ton Magazine.
Why do you do it?
Maddy Thornalley: Hats are moods. You change it, you change your character.
What excites you most about the future of art, design or creativity in general?
Maddy Thornalley: Being able to learn skills without institutions.
photography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where’s your favourite London spot to disconnect and recharge?
Maddy Thornalley: Walking along the Thames in Rotherhithe any time of year, watching the boats go by. Even better with a cold breeze; it’s like a bath.
Where is the best place to eat and what should you order?
Maddy Thornalley: Ogam in Angel – order the Danji flaming pine-cone cocktail.
Best place to go shopping?
Maddy Thornalley: Made in the Borough at the Ragged School Museum. The shop is open intermittently and is stocked with a selection of London’s best clothes, hats, cutlery, trinkets and tea.
Give us a local gem or secret spot?
Maddy Thornalley: Lant Street Wine. It’s practically my living room.
FDfromtheFuture (Fabio Dessena) is a London-based presenter and social-media personality known for his sharp streetwear commentary and viral interviews with stars like Skepta and Central Cee. From reviewing sneakers at home to being one of London’s voices of the youth, FD has become a key voice in UK fashion culture.
Fabio wears nylon jacket C.P. COMPANY, cotton jumper HERESY, trousers, cap and all jewellery his ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where are you based?
FDfromtheFuture: London.
What do you do?
FDfromtheFuture: Document culture.
What would a world built entirely by the new gen look like?
FDfromtheFuture: I hope a lot more caring and appreciative.
If you had to throw away a new-gen trend, what would it be?
FDfromtheFuture: Entitlement.
Who from the new gen has inspired you most?
FDfromtheFuture: I’m inspired every day by the movers and shakers of the new gen and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.
Why do you do it?
FDfromtheFuture: I love documenting history in my own way.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
FDfromtheFuture: Happy, with a family, being free with my creativity and having peace.
Fabio wears all clothes HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE, all accessories and shoes his ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
What excites you most about the future of art, design or creativity in general?
FDfromtheFuture: The disruption of it all. It was a bit stale for a while, but in the last five years it has become more disruptive, against the grain and that’s healthy. Creativity is the power of being unique – for a while everyone was the same.
Where is the best place to eat and what should you order?
FDfromtheFuture: Berenjak in Soho, jujeh kabab tond with rice.
Give us a local gem or secret spot?
FDfromtheFuture: Abraço, Green Lanes.
Where’s your favourite London spot to disconnect and recharge?
FDfromtheFuture: My yard.
With hazy, relaxed melodies and thoughtful lyricism, Sunken establishes a unique sonic identity that transports you back into the melancholy and turmoil of your angsty teenage years. Guided by sibling duo Poppy and Finn Billingham, the London-based band channels the spirit of 90s titans such as Nirvana and Slowdive, while creating a sound that feels wholly fresh and personal.
Clem wears jumper and shoes his own, wool trousers DSQUARED2. Poppy wears chiffon dress DSQUARED2, cotton dress worn underneath HERESY, socks her own, leather pumps FERRAGAMO. Finn wears cotton T-shirt LOUIE EDISON, jeans and shoes his own. Jonah wears cotton hoodie CARHARTT WIP, T-shirt his own, jeans stylist’s own. Finn wears suede jacket AMIRI, tank top, jeans and shoes his ownphotography SCOTT GALLAGHER styling HANNAH HETHERINGTON
Where are you based?
Sunken: South-east London.
What do you do?
Poppy Billingham: I sing and play bass in my band.
Why do you do it?
Poppy Billingham: I guess I love music and it’s what comes naturally to me; I can’t imagine not pursuing it.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Poppy Billingham: I don’t like to think too far ahead, it sort of freaks me out. But as long as I’m happy and I live somewhere hot and I’m able to make music, that would be dreamy.
Give us a local gem or secret spot?
Poppy Billingham: Van Hing in Camberwell.
What excites you most about the future of art, design or creativity in general?
Finn Billingham: Technology eroding the financial obstacles to making your art come to life the way you want it to. More control.
What would a world built entirely by the new gen look like?
Finn Billingham: Digital.
If you had to throw away a new-gen trend, what would it be?
Finn Billingham: Short attention spans.
Where is the best place to eat and what should you order?
Poppy Billingham: Theo’s in Camberwell – order the aubergine parmigiana.
Best place to go shopping?
Poppy Billingham: In London, probably Brick Lane, because there are so many nice shops.
Where’s your favourite London spot to disconnect and recharge?
Poppy Billingham: To be honest, I love just being on the overground when it’s not too busy. I feel like I can really zone out and just have my headphones on and collect my thoughts.
Photographic assistants JIVAN WEST, ALISTAIR MCVEIGH, styling assistant EMMA GOVEY
and integrate them seamlessly into the new content without adding new tags. Ensure the new content is fashion-related, written entirely in Japanese, and approximately 1500 words. Conclude with a “結論” section and a well-formatted “よくある質問” section. Avoid including an introduction or a note explaining the process.
