BY IOAN LEWIS
SEPT 16, 2023
Courtesy of Natalie Norris - @Natalie_norris_photography
Last Friday, Swansea Fashion Week debuted and hit the catwalk sprinting. The grandeur of other fashion weeks such as London, Paris and Milan was present in Swansea that evening with flashes of gold, designers a-plenty and a signature catwalk. This sentiment was not lost on the designers and models either, as numerous amazing, well-crafted and high-quality pieces made their way down the runway, sported by the fantastic and ever-professional EMKAI models. Swansea Fashion Week set itself apart in many ways, most notably in the amount of upcycled and slow fashion designers and brands that were a part of the show. Beyond this the show felt like more than a fashion show, it had such an air of togetherness and inclusivity where diversity wasn’t just present but shined evidently in the group of talent that collected on Thursday afternoon, it was a triumph which empowered such an eclectic mix of designs. The show was held in the warehouse gym which was one of the more poignant aspects, as for all its pomp and likeness to the international fashion weeks, Swansea Fashion Week accomplished a great feat: making quality fashion accessible and inclusive to all. The fashion show perfectly blended both sides of this same coin; remaining grounded and open whilst also exerting an aura of glamour and professionalism. This is a testament to Swansea Fashion Week’s organiser Martin Kurina’s exceptional work and dedication to the event, the community and fashion in Wales.
looch was lucky enough to be invited backstage before the show, allowing us to interview some of the staggeringly talented models and designers. The first interview came with American-born, Pembrokeshire-based designer Rose from 'Slow Rose Studio'. As soon as the question was asked about how she was feeling about the show Rose was filled with excitement and prepared determination, understandably so given that this was her first fashion show. Rose became interested in fashion when she combined her love for fashion and her desire to create her own pieces. Rose explained that initially, she was simply making clothes for herself and then a couple of people noticed her knack and started requesting that she make clothes for them as well. The explanation behind what gives Slow Rose its unique glow and distinct style comes from Rose’s passion for upcycling. Rose detailed that the brand developed as she began to use the scrap fabrics from garments that she was using to make clothes for herself and other people, and combining them to create one-of-a-kind pieces to sell under the brand. Slow Rose Studio is a true champion of slow fashion and sustainability, as Rose emphasised the importance of saving everything, down to the last thread. Rose will then organise these fabrics by colour and material type, which allows her to create stunning one-of-one pieces. Rose explained that the inspiration behind her Swansea Fashion Week collection was "turning waste into something beautiful but also keeping the rugged heart of the mixture of fabrics". This was evident as the pieces rolled down the catwalk with intricate fascination.
Designs by - @Slowrosestudio
Courtesy of John Castillo - @Juan.photographique
The second interview of the day came with London based designer Matthew Agyemang-Duah who was showcasing his brand 'Yung Vibes'. Matthew was another first-timer and his energy was obvious from the get-go. Matthew detailed that his introduction to designing came from the classic and ever-true mantra ‘look good, feel good’, and that he wanted to create something that represents him and his style. Matthew made it clear that this was the main inspiration behind his Swansea Fashion Week collection. He stated that fashion, and by extension, this collection was about personal expression, both his personal expression in designing it, but also for those who want to express themselves through the clothing. Matthew stated his desire that this Swansea Fashion Week collection emphasised that message and Yung Vibes’ message. Sustainability was another point of passion for Matthew. He explained that as he’s starting up, his main concern within the realm of sustainability is worker conditions in his manufacturers, ensuring that he chooses the right ones that align with his ideals. This is a sentiment that people tend to overlook, there is an assumption that this is the modern practice for all brands when the truth is it isn’t. Therefore, Matthew’s emphasis on this aspect of sustainability is admirable. Moving forward Matthew detailed that he would like to expand on his sustainable practices as his brand grows. Matthew also admitted an appreciation for streetwear. This combined with Yung Vibes’ accentuation of personal expression came across instantly on the catwalk as the brand displayed some great colours and fantastic cuts.
Designs by - @yungvibes01
Courtesy of John Castillo - @Juan.photographique
The focus then shifted to Barry-based designer Ioan Bowen-Pickett and his brand 'Cambrensis'; Latin for ‘of Wales’. Ioan brought an air of cool and calmness to the room as the interview began. He explained that Cambrensis came to fruition only nine months ago, in December 2022, and that he was already showing in his first fashion show in such little time. Ioan stated that this was a great opportunity for himself and the brand, and shared his excitement to meet new people, show the brand off and get more people onboard with Cambrensis’ vision. Ioan said that his interest in fashion was realised in his early teens and derived from following his football team Cardiff City. He was passionate about the pieces, now synonymous with football, and their timelessness, listing names such as Adidas, and CP Company. This combined with the British alternative rock music scene of the 90s and early 2000s clearly had a massive influence on him. Ioan is another sustainable fashion supporter and enactor, detailing that his Autumn Winter 2023 collection, releasing on the 27th of October, is made entirely out of recycled and organic fabrics. Looking towards the future, Ioan has a launch event for his next collection in the Globe in Cardiff on the 16th of November headlined by Swansea-based band Pastel. Beyond that Ioan is shooting for the stars, aiming to become the biggest brand in Wales. Ioan’s natural nationalism and appreciation for timeless looks saw him send a great collection down the runway; fantastic fitting and extremely high-quality garments.
Designs by - @Cambrensis
Courtesy of John Castillo - @Juan.photographique
The final interview of the day came from London based designer Brian Clarke, who was presenting his namesake brand. Brian brought an aura of calm experience, given his many years in the industry, but was as excited as ever to be showing at Swansea Fashion Week. Brian spoke of his rather unique venture into the realm of fashion, detailing that it was through making clothes with a friend who was enrolled on a fashion course, and who then convinced Brian to join the course after experiencing his talent firsthand. A clear innovator, he declared that as soon as he found out that this would be the first Swansea Fashion Week, he had to be there. The influence behind Brian’s Swansea Fashion Week collection was extremely interesting. He explained that as he was researching American cowboys, he stumbled across black American cowboys and discovered they were famous for their ability to train horses and ride them flamboyantly. Brian took this new information and ran with it, sharing that he made the collection in a slick manner to properly represent the way the black cowboys presented themselves. Having recently found great success in France, Brian is now looking forward to the opening of one of those French stores in London, where his brand will be one of the key suppliers. Brian is also venturing further into the online world, as he expressed his excitement about opening an online store sometime shortly. Brian’s collection was everything that was promised and more, from gorgeous black tasselled jackets to truly flamboyant chaps.
Designs by - @Brianclarkeofficial
Courtesy of John Castillo - @Juan.photographique
The models which walked at Swansea Fashion Week also weighed in on a few topics. Amongst the angst and excitement, there was such a diverse group of models, from ethnicity to body type, to even location, it was very inspiring to be surrounded by such a diverse range of people. For some, it was their first event, for others, the same butterflies were present that they felt in previous shows like London Fashion Week. It was clear that there was a general appreciation and understanding surrounding the importance of sustainable fashion. With environmental issues as important as they’ve ever been, all the models expressed overwhelming support for sustainable slow fashion as a much-needed change in the industry to protect our environment. Nevertheless, perhaps the most important lesson learnt that day is that skinny jeans are out, and they should very much remain that way.
To describe Swansea Fashion Week as anything other than a resounding success would be completely inaccurate. Everything from the set, designers, models, organisers and much more was drowned in enthusiasm. Swansea Fashion Week will undoubtedly return even bigger and better next year!
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