Vice Style

Remember grime? If you knew your shit then you'd be able to spot that heavy Avirex jacket, Ecko MMA t-shirt, Damani Dada hat, and Akademiks jeans from a mile off and instantly recognize that early 2000s grime style. However, that stuff cost paper, so it wasn't exactly what the majority of the fans wore. Simon Wheatley, photographer and director, spent seven years shooting photos for his book Don't Call Me Urban, a visual documentation of London's grime scene, pretty much from its beginnings. While he did capture plenty of heads rocking that original look, Simon concentrated more on the youngers—the kids just starting out—who obviously couldn't afford any of the imported American brands or more exclusive streetwear stuff, so just stuck to New Era, Nike, and samurai swords.