HUNGER’s London Fashion Week roundup
Last weekend’s LFW shone the light of some of the most promising upcoming designers in the world of fashion. Usually, the June slot was reserved for the LFW Men’s show but this year featured a reduced collection of gender neutral brands showing off their SS23 collections.
With only seven runway shows on the schedule — a far cry from the heavily populated February and September fashion weeks, which have 90 or more physical shows — everyone had a chance to stand out.
AGR
Making a multicoloured splash at their debut at LFW was South London knitwear brand AGR. Their aptly named collection ‘Dripping In Colour’ certainly made its mark with creative director Alicia Robinsons combining signature designs with new and daring techniques.
Prints were inspired by Katharina Grosse’s fabric installations as well as 90s sandblasted jeans and glistening swimwear. Some of the staples of the collection included rainbow coloured vests and patchwork denim.
Ahluwalia
Priya Ahluwalia caught eyes with her catwalk showcase titled, ‘Africa Is Limitless’. The collection celebrates African countries and the rich histories and heritage associated with them. Speaking with Vogue, Ahluwalia explained that “in pop culture, people reference Africa as one homogenous place, [and] don’t think about all the different countries that make it up and how it’s so different”.
Founded in 2018 the brand uses each collection to explore notions of black identity, within both a European and African setting, and has tackled such divisive topics as black hair styles and immigration.
Some of the most notable pieces included stamps, maps, and narrow strips of woven fabrics combined into a new pattern for a shirt and a pair of drawstring trousers. Meanwhile, dresses were carved from contrasting cloth and cut in flowing, curving lines.
Nicholas Daley
Now, let’s take a moment to celebrate Nicholas Daley, who won the prestigious 2022 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund. The Central Saint Martins graduate won an incredible cash prize of £150,000, free legal services and a year’s worth of mentoring.
His label, Nicholas Daley, is stocked by retailers including Selfridges, Nordstrom and Mr Porter. He’s also had the opportunity to collaborate with Mulberry, Adidas and Fred Perry. Daley, who was previously one of the British Fashion Council’s Newgen designers for 2017/18, said he was “very honoured” to receive the award. “The funding and mentoring program will support me in continuing to grow my brand for the future.” He added.
Robyn Lynch
For this season’s collection, Robyn Lynch took inspiration from something unique. While scouring the depths of her family wardrobe, she came across a t- shirt from her mum’s holiday to Mallorca in 1983. The tee was printed with rave ready smiley faces and ultimately set the tone for her latest holiday ready collection.
Semi transparent nylon shorts were matched with oversized hoodies, which all came in blindingly bright block colours. Other holiday ready garms included a personal favourite: a graphic T shirt that read “I caught crabs in Brighton”. To carry on the Brits abroad theme, pieces were accessorised with beaded necklaces and this summer’s footwear staple, Crocs.
Yuzefi
Following the cult-like success of Yuzefi’s coveted bags, Creative Director Naza Yousefi has expanded the brand’s ready-to-wear offering with a debut presentation during LFW. The resort collection takes inspiration from the notion of juxtaposition between beauty and imperfection.
Adjustable trousers and exaggerated silhouettes paved the way for fluid, bias cut dresses, crafted from sustainable Japanese cupro. Of course, the latest offering of bags were just as stunning and sophisticated, yet featured a playful edge of colours and glitter.
