Hussein Chalayan S/S 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
Mood board: The human body today breaks physical boundaries through social media, it’s an experimental entity for cosmetic surgery and filler, its idealized proportions are hyperbolic and impossibly proportioned. For Chalayan’s S/S 2020 show ‘The Postcolonial Body’ (also the title of the fourth chapter in his guest editorship of the Wallpaper* October 2019 issue), the conceptual designer was preoccupied with how our physical presence today has been shaped by historical events, specifically the dance traditions of colonized Japanese and American South American groups. As the show began an eerie alien voice echoed ‘Your meet is sweet to me’ across the space, fittingly held at Chalayan’s usual show space – dance venue Sadlers Wells. Silhouettes were framed around the idea of tension and release, constriction and freedom, floral lurex dresses engulfing model’s figures, technical suiting with pulls and ties, and jackets with sculptural body-pulling poles.
Finishing touches: The idea of ethnicity came through in thonged leather sandals with laced up the leg. The colonial explorer conveyed through brimmed hiking sun hats and models carrying Chalayan-branded walking poles.
Best in show: A series of technical tropical print dresses and skirts, with toggles and elasticated lacing, appeared to hover across the catwalk, their hems stiffened with sculptural hoops
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Corfu hotel Domes Miramare redefines beachfront bliss
Make like Jackie O at Corfu hotel Domes Miramare, a property with contemporary luxury and echoes of 1960s glamour in spades
By Bridget Downing Published
-
Art Basel Hong Kong 2024: what to see
Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 sees the fair back bigger and better than ever. Navigate the highlights with our guide
By Lauren Ho Published
-
This office interior by Faye Toogood is a communal space that encourages collaboration
The new Hato Studio London offices by Faye Toogood encourage IRL collaboration through a tactile environment
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Margaret Howell London Fashion Week Women's S/S 2019
By Dal Chodha Published
-
London Fashion Week S/S 2023: Ahluwalia to Martine Rose
Though slimmed-down, London Fashion Week nonetheless provided the moments of creative expression the city is known for – from Ahluwalia’s ode to Africa to Martine Rose’s much-anticipated runway return
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
Discover these fashion brands at London Craft Week
During London Craft Week, fashion brands including Smythson, Bally and Serapian are hosting events across the capital
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Nicholas Daley's multicultural roots celebrated in London
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
V&A spotlights the sartorial and social significance of the kimono
For the latest endeavour of London's Victoria and Albert Museum, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk explores the evolution of the iconic Japanese garment
By Grace Cook Last updated
-
Erdem A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Christopher Kane A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Burberry A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated