23 Feb

From New York to London, from Milan to Paris and not only – Global Fashion Collective, the international fashion platform that has been for years now the stepping-stone for many new models, talents and emerging fashion designers, has literally taken over the ‘Big 4’ of Fashion Week.

After a successful season in New York with two days of shows where designers from all over the globe have showcased their collections raging from avant-garde to classic styles, London took over the baton right next and now we are getting prepped to see the surprises Global Fashion Collective brings to us in the root capitals of fashion, Milan and Paris.

With Milan taking place tomorrow on the 24th of February in via San Barnaba and later on in Paris, we are all getting ready to experience the Global Fashion Collective phenomenon and fashion marathon that has been surrounding the world up to nowadays.

In the meantime, let’s have a quick “look” over some highlights in New York and London, while we wait for the next Big 2 in Milan and Paris. – stay tuned for the GFC news!

NEW YORK X GFC – highlights

BABY, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT – runway show transported the viewer to an elegant yet innocent doll-like world, rich with fantastic tales portrayed in original prints and gorgeous dresses replete with decorative details. The brand endeavored to produce authentic “Lolita” fashion that not only grants the heart’s desires of the current world but sparks the imagination of tomorrow. The brand icon, “Usakumya-chan” (bunny-bear mascot), inspired the collection. It captured a tender moment in a bouquet print, appearing in an Alice in Wonderland-themed heart print and showcasing a cuteness only “BABY” can convey through a curtain of delicate embroidery. Since its inception, the “heart” motif has long been a core element of the logo, and this show transports us into an adorable “heartful” world filled to the brim with the most profound gratitude.

[UNUSUAL] runway show was a stunning exploration of a culture through the concept of war, the primary reasons for migration and cultural exchange in current times, and the very act of it can be perceived as a ‘physical cultural exchange’. The collection features many war themes and motifs, crossing them with garments from around the world. With a keen eye for aesthetic harmony, [unusual] effortlessly fuses influences from different cultures, resulting in garments that bridge traditional values and contemporary fashion sensibilities. The brand recognizes the rich heritage and craftsmanship embedded in cultures worldwide and seeks to honour and showcase them in a modern context. The soundtrack of the show was an attempt to depict acculturation. This showcase stayed true to the brand’s intention of embracing the diversity and richness of global cultures, elevating them to the forefront of the design narrative.

Lenifro presented the ‘RETRO DREAMER’ collection that emerges from her love and inspiration from Dream, her son, and the 80s era. The porfa collection, created with polyester made from recycled plastic bottles, takes the stage, divided into five blocks, transmitting through the prints five inspirational elements from Helen’s youth. Chains and tacks, combined with vibrant yellow color, are the perfect match to start the runway show with accessories matching all the collection prints, and faux leather in some of the pieces. As a dedicated lover of 80s fashion, the XL shoulder pads and volumes are evident in every piece this season, offering a fresh, fun, and colorful collection with a retro touch.

Alex S. Yu showcased a collection infused with his distinctive mastery of intricate color palettes, modern functionality, dynamic silhouettes, contemporary femininity, and a touch of whimsical fantasy. Capsule 006 features plenty of bright and luminously colored tulle pieces, archived prints, and an abundance of ruffles incorporated into the classic ALEX S. YU silhouettes derived for the everyday dreamer. This collection would delight an ALEX S. YU woman who revels in a palette of vibrant colors, dynamic prints, unconventional shapes, and varied textures, placing paramount importance on comfort and functionality. With an eccentric, lively, and nonchalant essence, she perceives life through a lens of rosy optimism.

LONDON X GFC – highlights

SUNCUN presents The White Hada for The Global Fashion Collective showcase at London Fashion Week’24. The luxurious Hada, a gossamer-like scarf handwoven from the finest silk that carries China’s artisanal, painstakingly honed craft in its delicate fold, inspires the SUNCUN collection. The records of Italian traveller Marco Polo allude to the Emperors of the Yuan Dynasty gifting “white products” to celebrate the new year, which some scholars believe to be the Hada scarves. Over centuries, the world demanded this product of the finest craftsmanship as a symbol of purity and auspiciousness. Diligent artist-craftsman would lovingly and meticulously toil over a more than twenty-steps-process from mulberry-planting, silkworm-rearing, to handlooming the threads, to finally weaving the textile, starching and packing, and sending the Hada to the eager buyer with porters via challenging pathways and travel.
The harsh winds of modernization severely affected the Hada, as the artisans with generational craft were replaced by machines, and pure silk with synthetic concoctions. The narrow and ancient Tea Horse Trade Road was gradually abandoned and buried by weeds. But now there is a diligent effort to revive the authentic, cloud-like pure Hada, which narrates the lore of generations of artisans who perfected their craft, weaving all that is pure into the fabric that stands as a symbol of propitious good luck and kindness for entire humanity. Like many ancient Chinese products, Hada scarves will continue to weave new chapters for cultural exchange with the world as an ode to the land of nurture, China.

The Tis has dipped into a whimsical wonderland with prominent white ribbons and floral details adorning pristine dresses with luxurious textured materials beloved of the brand, for its LFW showcase. Each stunning look was successful in its aim to capture a strong yet delicate, passionate and vibrant new romanticism. The Tis juxtaposes intense, glamorous details with a delicate atmosphere suggested by the white tones and sheer fabrics. This collection exudes a joyful yet strict ‘nobility’ culture through a static colour palette of somewhat bold and intricate patterns and silhouettes.