Jodie, a runner, model, and content creator, indulges in a variety of performance-centric activities when she’s not on the trail, elsewhere acting as a creative toolkit and consultant. Her expertise in running, hiking, and climbing, successes in cultivating her own image, community and brand, as well as higher education in fashion design and manufacture allows for a specialised — yet all encompassing — skillset.
Follow Jodie on Instagram @jnrey_
Wholesomely happily chaotic.
Tell us a bit about your city’s climate. What are your three favorite spots - in the summer, in the winter (outside)? What is your favorite method of transportation and why? How do you prep for bad weather if you spend time outside?
Manchester is notably unpredictable for its weather, often blue skies out one window and torrential rain out another. My favorite spot sun or rain is Flawd - cosy, intimate, and welcoming in winter yet also unbelievably stunning when the sun's out. My winter favorite is Rivington Tap Room; as soon as the weather gets really grim or snowy, a trail run up the pike and back to the tap room is simply divine. Current resident Bun Chicken Bun is some kind of surreal heartwarming chicken magic, a must if you’re in Manc and craving getting out of the city a bit (which I always do). Fav method of transportation is running, through n through no questions asked. After starting up a weekly running club in the city, I'm convinced it’s the best way to see a city and to meet mint friends. I prep for Manc's erratic weather by wearing GORE-TEX Hokas and usually a skirt or shorts; legs are waterproof! Depending on how torrential it looks, I’ll throw on an Arc'teryx or 66North, but I’d much rather wear thermals and brave it.
What are you wearing today? Why are you wearing it, and did you have a particular weather scenario in mind when choosing this piece? What do you love most about your GORE-TEX product?
From top to bottom, today I’m wearing a Gramicci x Nanga hat which I haven’t taken off since this recent autumn weather set in. Divine shirt and long sleeve are Adish, an Israeli-Palestinian brand with intricate yet minimal hand-sewn details by Palestinian craftswomen. These pieces are remarkably significant to me, as each is marked with the location and name of the women’s embroidery group. Skirt is go-to Fred Perry. Socks are Universal Colours; they have really good socks, and I am oddly very into socks. Shoes are GORE-TEX Hoka x Bodega Tor Ultra Low, always reliably dry and without a doubt my go-to shoe for a grey rainy day in Manchester. Post or mid-rain, this is the shoe I want on because being comfortable is key, and I know a puddle or torrential rain won’t get in.
I thought about these GORE-TEX HOKA x Bodegas for a long time. I finally got the dreamy earth-toned beasts as a gift from someone special. They hold some really sweet memories for me, leaning into something new and learning to trust my gut. If I could go anywhere in them, it would be Iceland this winter; I think they will handle the terrain well, and I really want to see the northern lights.
Why do you think functional clothing has gotten more popular in recent years?
Functional clothing has become integral to me because I spend and enjoy my time outside a lot more than I ever have. Pieces like my HOKA x Bodegas are necessary to not have to dart inside when the weather turns, while fulfilling my need for consciously curated pieces that top an outfit off. I really enjoy the blurring line of functional fashion and putting my own flirty spin on it.
How do you define the term “comfort” in clothing, in particular technical apparel?
Comfort is massive for me, minimal irritating seams, fewer chunky labels. Pieces that are made to fit and feel like they aren’t being worn but also do so much for you against the elements are what comfort is for me.
What are you looking for in the next six months and what challenges do you see that you’re excited about?
In the next six months, I would really like to travel to a variety of climates and continents. Recently I have been wildly expanding my creative practice and the kind of work I curate, so on a personal level, I’d really like to expand this and what I'm doing creatively. I think it will be really challenging at first. I’m also a bit obsessed with trying new things right now; I learnt to surf recently and I’m obsessed now, so have a list full of experiences and sports I’d like to try out over the next year.
