LONDON: The runways of London Fashion Week witnessed a blend of unconventional inspirations, as designers drew creativity from unexpected sources. Ukrainian designer Masha Popova found inspiration in monster truck shows, while China’s Susan Fang showcased a collection of ethereal dresses.
Ukrainian-born designer Masha Popova, renowned for her denim work, continued her “obsession with denim manipulation” in her latest collection. Models graced the runway in denim mini-skirts and hip-hugging low-rise jeans.
Popova’s signature fabric underwent various treatments, including over-dyeing, flocking, scratching, and patchwork, to achieve a rugged effect. The collection drew inspiration from the electrifying world of monster truck shows, resulting in outfits featuring vibrant colors. The show was accompanied by techno music, with the roar of engines providing a distinctive background soundtrack.
Notable guests included social media influencers Abby and Charlotte Roberts, both TikTok sensations. Fashion content creator and model Emma Winder praised the “earthy tones” of the collection, even though she admitted to not being a double denim enthusiast.
Brands at London Fashion Week
Susan Fang, originally from China, established her brand in 2017 after graduating from London’s Central Saint Martins arts university. Her designs have consistently featured a weightless, ethereal appearance. In her Spring and Summer 2024 collection, models paraded beneath large wings made of white kites, symbolizing “human civilization and emotions,” hanging alongside a “cold robot” sculpted from white kites.
The collection showcased below-the-knee skirts in various hues, paired with crop tops. It also included dresses adorned with tulle ruffles and sandals paired with socks. A prominent piece in the collection was a dress constructed from protruding wire trees adorned with beads, meticulously handcrafted by women from Chinese minority groups. Fang expressed her aim to create an “ensemble resembling the Tree of Life, radiating the pure energy of human life.”
London Fashion Week will continue with collections presented by Sinead Gorey and Erdem before concluding on Tuesday, offering a diverse range of inspirations and styles for fashion enthusiasts and designers alike.
