Young Emerging Designers and Classic Brands Define London Fashion Week, S/S 2022; Introducing Fashion Freedom
Edward Crutchley, Erdem, Harris Reed. Image credits: Vogue.com unless noted
While you’ve been soaking in all the new and wonderfully imaginative looks during these recent Fashion Weeks have you noticed a number of designers from around the world have presented their versions of a robe à la française? This gown was the height of fashion in the 18th century. The fitted “V’ shaped bodice is called a stomacher and by wearing panniers under the dress, the sides of the gown stand out creating volume and dimension. Richly decorated in costly brocades and exquisite embroideries, these gowns were worn by the wealthy and aristocratic women of Europe.
Designer Edward Crutchley presented his stunning version of the robe à la française ball gown, as shown above. Is this Cinderella look a trend? Or is storybook fantasy dressing that many of us have secretly longed to wear now available for purchase? As Fashion Weeks across the globe feature incredibly talented emerging young designers, the palettes become bolder and the brush strokes grow increasingly audacious. The gender fluid fashions free us from restrictions and provide all of us with unlimited possibilities. Welcome to fashion freedom.
Total drama by young superstar designer Harris Reed who designed legendary model Iman’s breathtaking ensemble for the Met Gala. Harris is 25 years old and only graduated from Central Saint Martins University of the Arts in London last year. His meteoric rise in the international fashion world is more that impressive. It’s spectacular, just like the garments he creates.
Watch the inspiring Youtube video, describing how Harris Reed designed and created Iman’s amazing gown for the Met Gala.
“The Making of Iman’s Met Gala Dress | Sketch to Dress | Vogue”
Harris Reed’s striking graphic creation.
Erdem brand. Sweet nostalgia with a bold 1940’s print.
Erdem Moralioglu MBE designs feminine dressing with exquisite details.
Delicate lace dress by Erdem.
Crop top with lovely trapunto full skirt. Erdem.
Rich navy blue ensemble. Erdem.
Floral menswear. Erdem.
Nensi Dojaka, award winning young Albanian designer received the LVMH prize in 2021.
A blend of lingerie and RTW. Nensi Dojaka.
Short shorts, blazer and sheer top, Nensi Dojaka.
A troupe of dancers presented the Roksanda collection.
Are you wondering if this dress comes with an air pump? Roksanda.
Brilliant, glowing organza raincoat by Roksanda, a graduate of the Central Saint Martins Univeristy.
Roksanda references contemporary art for her apparel designs.
Avant-garde yarn garment by Roksanda.
Super cool two tone leather trench. Richard Malone.
Richard Malone graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2014. His graduate collection was bought by Brown Thomas, Dublin.
Richard Malone is an Irish fashion designer who lives between Wexford, Ireland and London.
Richard Malone’s creative silhouettes.
Young Asian-American designer Chet Lo studied knitwear at Central Saint Martins and made his debut at this London Fashion Week through Fashion East. His spiky, neon colored apparel is already popular with fashionistas and Instagram stars. Fashion East is a non-profit designer support and showcasing project that has championed and launched many world class brands.
Chet Lo. Fun and squishy.
Another young designer supported by Fashion East, Maximilian Davis is one to keep an eye on.
Supriya Lele is a young British-Indian designer with an innovative fashion brand founded in 2016. Lele was a finalist of the LVMH Prize 2020.
Supriya Lele blends lingerie, swimwear and RTW.
Edward Crutchley, menswear. Disco ready.
London designer Richard Quinn covers the shoe with the trousers for a long look.
Now that’s coordinating! Richard Quinn. Watch the runway video here.
The fantastic world of Chopova Lowena is a fabulous mix of fabrics, color, texture and positive energy. Talented graduates of the Central Saint Martins University, sisters Emma and Laura’s apparel brings a smile to your face.
You know you want these flower boots! Watch the kooky and energetic Chopova Lowena video here.
Let’s give our thanks to all the designers of London Fashion Week, with a special note of appreciation to the new and emerging young designers who take fashion innovation to the next level. Bravo!
