British rap icon Professor Green has shared that swapping hectic London for the countryside has enhanced his mental wellbeing. The 42-year-old believes living in a city can cause people to overlook how significant a difference venturing outside can make. He says his enthusiasm for spending time outdoors has had 'a real impact' on his mental health.

Green said: "Living in London, you get so used to the constant noise and hustle that it is easy to forget how much of a difference getting outdoors can make. For me, stepping away from the city and spending time outside helps clear my head and reset.

"That connection to the outdoors has had a real impact on my mental health, and it has changed how I think about what I wear too. You want pieces that can handle the elements but still feel right when you're back in the city. It's about function and style working hand in hand, not one or the other."

Professor Green has launched a bold new chapter for outdoor retailer Blacks. They aspire to establish themselves as the destination where outdoor heritage converges with contemporary, everyday style. The Read All About It hitmaker's exclusive range concentrated on garments suitable for outdoor pursuits while remaining appropriate for urban environments.

Blacks' relaunch celebrates the retailer's 160th anniversary and they say it captures an emerging cultural transformation as outdoor-inspired fashion extends beyond expeditions to influence how people dress daily. The retailer insists it has evolved from a conventional outdoor shop into a carefully curated, style-focused destination. Pinnacle stores in Brighton, Glasgow, Yorkshire's Meadowhall and Harrogate, and Merseyside's Aintree have been refreshed to showcase premium labels and innovative gear.

According to the company, the spaces have been created so 'technical performance and contemporary styling coexist seamlessly'. Fresh research commissioned by Blacks shows that outdoor-inspired lifestyles are gaining momentum, with more than half of Britons (51%) having taken up a new outdoor pursuit in the past year.

It is thought many are attracted to these pursuits not simply for physical fitness, but for mental wellbeing, social interaction and an escape from urban living. The study also discovered 74% of Britons regularly incorporate clothing designed for outdoor pursuits into their everyday wardrobe, with 29% doing so multiple times weekly.

Comfort and practicality continue to be major considerations, with 65% prioritising comfort and 42% valuing functionality. Visual appeal is becoming increasingly important, as 72% acknowledge outdoor apparel has grown more stylish in recent years.

In turn, Blacks is adopting a carefully selective strategy, championing premium labels such as The North Face, Berghaus, Columbia, Mountain Equipment, Rab, Merrell, Montane, and OEX.

Blacks maintains it is committed to positioning the right brands and products at the forefront, 'merging heritage outdoor performance with modern style'. Carly Czuba from Blacks said: "This relaunch marks a real evolution for Blacks. We are building on our outdoor heritage and reframing it for how people actually live and dress today.

"Outdoor gear is no longer just for the trail, it is part of everyday style, and our refreshed stores, curated brand mix and collaboration with Professor Green reflect that shift.

"We want Blacks to feel like a destination where performance, quality and contemporary style come together, whether you're heading outdoors or navigating the city."