East London closed the first day of GFW19 with their highly anticipated show, and they had a lot to live up to. Their beautiful presentation had many worldwide influences whilst keeping a classic East London edge.
East London University AKA the ‘East London Tribe’, closed the show on the first day of Graduate Fashion Week. After a long day of catwalk shows the bar was high, but the audience remained upbeat and the venue filled quickly.
Billie Rose Hart opened the show by playing the 80’s classic, Blue Monday by New Order. Billie’s collection blurs the lines between gender norms. Men wearing heels dominated the runway, alongside oversized pieces that screamed 80’s power woman.
Designer Ashley Mawere’s computer generated imagery bombarded the audience. ‘Ain’t I a woman too?’, ‘Feminist’ and ‘Equality’ graphics were just the beginning. Models embraced the runway in layered mesh pieces that exaggerated their figures with flamboyant shapes. The garments also had ‘Feminist’, ‘Equality’ and ‘Manhood’ printed on them, which tackles modern, political issues that dominate their generation.
Another designer that spoke of domination and rebellion was Daniel Kluth. With a collection inspired by buildings and structure, he channelled London commuters. Details included a geometric backpack cut out of acrylic, and a rhombus shaped acrylic bag that represented the structure of urban buildings.
Written by Chloe Ford
Photography by Jade Berry and Nicholas Kristiansen