British-American Fashion designer Harris Reed kicked off London Fashion Week AW22 with the 60 Years A Queen collection, inspired by an 1897 book on Queen Victoria. With Victorian-era details fused with styles from the club-kid scene, the collection experimented with retro tailoring, playful proportions, dramatic cuts and striking silhouettes.
As with previous collections by the designer, this Autumn/Winter 2022 collection featured upcycled wedding dresses and for this season, fabrics were donated by the Italian Bussandri family, the owners of a 100-year-old business offering regal upholstery fabrics. Sustainable elements were further woven into the collection thanks to deadstock fabrics sourced from a supplier based in London.
As Reed describes, 60 Years A Queen is a "queerer interpretation" of the regal wardrobe. A standout style from the collection is recognizable as the look designed for Iman at the MET Gala.
Fluid Renaissance Fashion
Harris Reed's 60 Years A Queen Collection Takes Cues from a Regal Look
Trend Themes
1. Victorian-inspired Fashion - Incorporate Victorian era details with modern styling to create a disruptive fusion of old and new aesthetics.
2. Sustainable Fabrics - Innovate by adopting regal upholstery and deadstock fabrics, promoting both eco-friendly designs and luxury fashion.
3. Genderqueer Fashion - Break gender norms within the fashion industry by merging masculine and feminine elements, opening opportunities for diverse and inclusive design.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Design - By blending historical influences with modern appeal, designers can create unique, disruptive collections that captivate different audiences.
2. Sustainable Textiles - Employ strategies such as upcycling and sourcing deadstock fabrics, offering eco-friendly alternatives to businesses in the textile and fashion industry.
3. Fashion Events - Organize thematic fashion events that highlight disruptive designs, combining traditional styles with current trends to engage a wider audience.