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.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Victorian-inspired Fashion
- Incorporate Victorian era details with modern styling to create a disruptive fusion of old and new aesthetics.
- Sustainable Fabrics
- Innovate by adopting regal upholstery and deadstock fabrics, promoting both eco-friendly designs and luxury fashion.
- Genderqueer Fashion
- Break gender norms within the fashion industry by merging masculine and feminine elements, opening opportunities for diverse and inclusive design.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion Design
- By blending historical influences with modern appeal, designers can create unique, disruptive collections that captivate different audiences.
- Sustainable Textiles
- Employ strategies such as upcycling and sourcing deadstock fabrics, offering eco-friendly alternatives to businesses in the textile and fashion industry.
- Fashion Events
- Organize thematic fashion events that highlight disruptive designs, combining traditional styles with current trends to engage a wider audience.
