The curtain rise on London Fashion Week, with renowned Irish designer Paul Costelloe ushering in an era of romance. Presenting a feminine touch with soft, flowing designs, he aimed to infuse the fashion world with romantic charm.
His spring/summer 2024 collection, titled “Il Giardino” (The Garden), showcased models adorned in relaxed jackets, some with tails, breezy wide-leg linen trousers, V-neck sweaters, and dresses imprinted with floral designs. The dresses, simple in their elegance, were highlighted with ruffle detailing on the front and shoulders. The spectrum included serene blues, creamy whites, sand, and ecru hues.
“In these times where many champion aggression and fierce independence, I wanted to revert to the classics – an elegant fashion show with stunning models,” Costelloe shared with Reuters.
An artistic garden scene set the stage where models sported tennis rackets and croquet mallets, enhancing the ambiance.
Bora Aksu, a native of Turkey, also championed the theme of romance. He took inspiration from his heritage, presenting an ensemble of intricately embroidered dresses, chic cropped jackets, and layered skirts. Lace, crochet, ruffles, and detailed embellishments adorned his suits and dresses, invoking imagery of opulent Ottoman Palaces.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by the crafts of my mother and grandmother, especially their knitted blankets and crochet dresses,” Aksu recounted to Reuters. “I wanted to rejuvenate those memories but with a modern twist.”
London is hosting the second phase of the spring/summer 2024 fashion circuit, which commenced in New York. In the forthcoming days, fashion enthusiasts can anticipate showcases from prominent names like Burberry, JW Anderson, Erdem, and Molly Goddard, to name a few.
Marking three decades of its pioneering NEWGEN initiative, the British Fashion Council (BFC) continues to offer financial aid and mentorship to budding designers. This initiative has fostered talents like the legendary Alexander McQueen, Erdem, and Anderson. As is tradition, this year’s beneficiaries will also flaunt their collections at London Fashion Week, which wraps up on Tuesday.
BFC Chief Executive Caroline Rush commented on the event, “London is an incredible blend of intertwined creative sectors. However, challenges like soaring rents, living expenses, and the repercussions of Brexit have made it tough for emerging designers. Securing partnerships and sponsorships for their showcases is becoming harder for them. Many are innovating in how they present this season, besides, of course, the inventiveness of their collections.”
As London Fashion Week unfurls its tapestry of designs, it becomes evident that despite the challenges of our era, creativity remains undeterred. Both seasoned designers like Costelloe and Aksu and young talents from the NEWGEN initiative have proved that fashion is not just about garments but about telling stories, evoking emotions, and connecting cultures. In the whirlwind of fabrics, patterns, and colours, one message is clear: love and romance will always find their way to the runway, and designers, irrespective of their journey’s stage, will forever be the torchbearers of innovation and expression.
