Missed Virtual London Fashion Week? Don’t Worry, Here Is Everything You Need To Know
With the current worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, June saw the first ever Virtual Fashion Week being held. London Fashion Week was attended by many sat at home behind their computer screens. The weekend’s schedule was jam packed with various events from livestreams and presentations, to videos of collections and conversations with designers. In case you missed this exciting event, we have created the perfect summary of the fashion-filled weekend for you to catch up on.
‘Jalebi’ by AHLUWALIA
‘Jalebi‘ is the title of Priya Ahluwalia‘s latest book and 3D VR exhibition. The limited-edition photography tome, photographed by Laurence Ellis, highlighting what it means to be a young mixed heritage person living in modern Britain. Exploring the rich world of her roots, Ahluwalia’s project highlights the beauty of diversity and how immigration enriches lives and community. Including old family photographs and an interview with the designer’s Nana, there is evidently a strong theme of family throughout – which is also translated into her fashion collections.
All profits from Jalebi, along with the photographic print sales, will be donated to the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and to Southall Black Sisters.
Interview with Daniel W Fletcher
Editor, Naomi Pike, conducts interview with menswear designer Daniel W Fletcher. The pair discuss his role starring in Netflix’s ‘Next In Fashion’, manufacturing issues during the pandemic and showcased his genderless AW20 collection. The collection ranges from sizes XS to XL, with some pieces being drawn from his creations on the hit Netflix show. The collection features Fletcher’s British heritage, whilst taking it to a more abstract place.
“When my factories closed I wanted to make sure that the seamstresses I work with were still able to support themselves. This collection is a testament to the skill and hard work of these amazing women: I dedicate this collection to them.” - Daniel W Fletcher
In Conversation With Chalayan
The Oslo-based publisher Elise By Olsen spoke with Hussein Chalayan MBE on Instagram Live, discussing the past, present and future of fashion, culture and Chalayan’s practice. The designer’s latest collection looks at how the environment can shape us and how this affects our attire. Inspired by Aboriginals and their Songlines, Chalayan explored different cultures and they react to their own environment. His AW20 collection inherits the elegant minimalistic aesthetic and innovative designs of his previous collections.
ReM’Ade by Marques’Almeida (M’A)
This documentary film, captured the research and design development of Marques’Almeida’s first ReM’Ade collection. The collection combines classic and new M’A designs, made from their deadstock from previous collections and recycled fabrics. Transforming waste into fashion, this collection is putting responsible fashion into practice. Veering away from dependency on trends, seasons and minimum orders; the brand works on pre-order only to reduce unnecessary waste.
“There’s No Place Like Home” – KA WA KEY
Inspired by fairy tale characters and nursery rhymes, KA WA KEY gave the audience a preview of their SS21 collection, combined with archived pieces from their previous collections. The brand created the video from home amidst of COVID-19, using a green screen and limited resources. The designers aim for their creation to spread positive messages during this challenging and uncertain time.
KA WA KEY
‘We Are One Of The Same’ – Bianca Saunders
UK designer Bianca Saunder’s discusses her creative collation, ‘We Are One Of The Same’, alongside fellow collaborators, photographer Joshua Woods and writer/model, Jessica Cole. The zine is an art-come-poetry-come-fashion piece, exploring themes of identity, community and finding a common ground. The collaborators describe their experience being brought together, being creatives of colour and reflecting on their different life experiences as black people in the UK and US.
Chapter X: The Archives In Blue – Nabil Nayal
Nabil Nayal presented his tenth collection by showing new unseen footage and looking back at key pieces from his previous collections. For Nabil’s tenth season, he took an introspective approach visiting his own archives, which he translated through the colour blue. This was to be Nabil’s largest collection to date and was launched in London and Paris at LONDONshowROOMS.
‘Re-Love 2020 Part One’ – Teatum Jones
Teatum Jones present their brand new collection ‘Re-Love 2020 Part One’ through a powerful, conversational film with their community, asking what ‘Re-Love’ means to them. Re-Love Part One is all about being Zero Waste, working with Deadstock Fabric and innovating with Waste Textiles. Moving away from everything ‘new’ and instead focusing on developing sustainable and ethical products. 2020 has seen the brand partnering up with Mary’s Living and Giving (part of Save The Children) – to educate themselves and others on how to be Zero Waste
SHOOP x ASICS
Tokyo/Madrid based brand SHOOP, have collaborated with ASICS – leading designer and manufacturer of athletic footwear. The pair combined have created a up-cycled capsule, featuring classic running garments including: a reversible mask, hoodie, trousers and various shirts. SHOOP mixes various genres and cultures from around the world. This brand combines contemporary with classic elegance to create garments which embrace sophistication.
‘Flora’ Resort 2021 Collection – RIXO
RIXO showcased their new 2021 ‘Flora’ Collection at LFW, with a behind the scenes video of their collection shoot. Taking place in founder Henrietta Rix’s family home and garden, the collection blooms from maxi watercolour to delicate ditsy – coming in all shapes and sizes. The brand was awarded, Sunday Times Fast Track 2020 ‘Ones to Watch’ in December 2019.
Designer Diary With Roksanda
See the enchanting world of creative fashion processes through designer Roksanda Ilinčić‘s eyes. This video locates some of her inspirations during lockdown, including different colours and textures. Showing an insight into her woman-centred design aesthetic. Roksanda is known for her colour blocking, distinctive cuts and innovative uses of fabrics – resulting in sophisticated and feminine yet playful and effortless clothing.
THE WEBSTER X Natasha Zinko
Natasha Zinko x DUOltd celebrated the launch of their SS21 Creatives collection, working with The Webster to create 3D renderings of the collection. Showcased within a three dimensional space inspired by the aesthetic and architecture of their Miami and Los Angeles boutiques. Natasha Zinko strives for Sustainability, Diversity and Authenticity in every one of their collections. The company are constantly working to reduce their wastage footprint.
