PHOTOGRAPHY Ren Faulkner
MODELS Yasmine Davies, Kitty Ferrari & Annie Williams
When Finley, the designer behind Cardiff-based latex brand Finley’s House, first spotted Mari of Mythsntits at a local art market, they were so starstruck they could barely speak. “I don’t think Mari even knows this,” Finley admits, “but I was nervous to speak to her when we first met because I thought she was so cool and her work was so incredible.” Luckily, Mari had clocked them too – “I had seen them around Cardiff and thought they were so cool and interesting – both are very true.” Fast-forward a few years, and the duo have teamed up to release a latex baby tee collection that’s equal parts sexy, silly and proudly Welsh.
This collaboration brings together Mari’s signature Welsh slogans – like TWP, Hot Welsh Gay, and Secsi, Stynen, Slei – with Finley’s latex craftsmanship, constructed in their Cardiff studio. Each piece is a cheeky love letter to queer Welsh identity, filtered through noughties nostalgia, bimbo culture, and a shared sense of humour that runs deep in both creators’ work. “We’re so funny and have a unique, silly sense of humour,” Mari says of the Welsh, “we never take ourselves too seriously.” That playful irreverence shines in every tee, worn loud and proud by their local queer community.
More than just a fashion drop, the collection is a celebration of chosen family, homegrown talent, and the joy of creating with your mates. Shot in Cardiff’s historic market – where Finley spent childhood weekends with their market trader dad – the campaign blends Welsh heritage with queer campery. As Finley puts it: “If you want to be creative, you don’t need a London postcode.” In Wales, the girls (gays and theys) are more than alright – they’re absolutely slaying.
If you want to be creative, you don’t need a London postcode.
Finley
For Mari, who grew up in a small West Wales village, the local fashion scene didn’t exactly scream high fashion. “The closest thing to couture was a farmer fashioning some string for a belt,” she laughs. “We did, however, love a Welsh slogan tee, usually bought at the Eisteddfod.” Her now-iconic phrases are rooted in that same love for Welsh culture and camp: TWP, meaning “a bit dim,” is for the “Welsh bimbos”; Secsi, Stynen, Slei is pure phonetic sass; and Hot Welsh Gay remains her bestseller. “I wanted something flirty and funny for the queer Welshies to show off their identity and feel gorgeous.”
The idea for the collab was sparked by Finley’s desire to celebrate where Finley’s House is based – and by their mutual love of bold visuals and bold voices. The two decided on which of Mari’s slogans would translate best into latex, then brought in a local laser cutter to create the graphic elements. From there, Finley got to work on making samples. “Throughout the whole process, it just felt like fun,” they say. “Everyone involved in the project is our friend. It felt really special to work on this with them.”
Though Finley is now known for their sharp tailoring and latex mastery, they’re the first to admit their process isn’t exactly regimented. “It’s very scattered,” they say. “But with this project, it came together naturally – like most things do when you’re working with someone you trust.” They don’t just create together; they genuinely get each other. “I feel like Finley and I are such talkers that you wouldn’t be able to hear anything over our yapping,” Mari says. But if there was a soundtrack, it would be The Dutchess by Fergie – an icon both agree is spiritually linked to the collection’s campy aesthetics.
It felt like a full circle moment, going back to the environment I grew up in, now with all the elements that made me who I am today. Shooting latex tops with queer slogans with our queer friends – it felt so special.
Finley
The campaign shoot offered a chance to connect past memories with present pride. For Mari, returning to a traditional market space mirrored her journey from growing up in a rural Welsh village to becoming an artist whose work appears everywhere from Hansh to Iaith ar Daith.
“It felt like a full circle moment,” Finley shares, “Going back to the environment I grew up in, now with all the elements that made me who I am today. Shooting latex tops with queer slogans with our queer friends – it felt so special.” Since moving to Cardiff, Finley has found a kind of joy and connection they didn’t expect. “I couldn’t pin down one specific memory that stands out,” they say, “because I so often find myself in moments where I’m with my queer friends in Wales and feel so much joy that I get to experience this level of platonic love.” That sense of chosen family pulses through every glossy tee and glittering detail throughout the collection.
As for who they’d love to see in the collection? Both agree RuPaul’s Drag Race star Tayce is their dream customer. Mari also votes for Big Mouth’s Lola in the TWP tee, while Finley suggests Norman Price from Fireman Sam would rock the Hot Welsh Gay top. But whether it’s a drag icon, a cartoon bimbo, or a market-going mate, the goal remains the same: to celebrate Wales, and to look hot doing it.
Finley’s House x Mythsntits collab collection is available to purchase now.
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