Taking the fashion set on a trip to another world, Lela Jacobs, presented a dramatic collection with a transcendent theme entitled Post-Dystopia.
Beneath a spot-lit runway strung with the occasional bare hanging bulb, a procession of robed models with medieval-style braided hair and muddied faces reminiscent of fashion refugees, strode the runway.
Initially starting with blackness before a shift to ivory and earthy tones, the multi-layered garments were all about natural fabrics, woven textures and frayed edges. This is fashion deconstructed to its roots and laid bare in an organic way.
Beneath the roughness of raw wool and the androgynous styling lay a softer layer of cotton and silk, the muted colour palette emphasising Lela Jacobs’ signature of conceptual silhouettes and understated design.
Emphasising the cross-cultural references of the collection were long necklaces featuring hands and keys, the accessories adding to the other-worldly feel of the range.
A transcendental chant repeated throughout the presentation and was also seen hand painted on some of the garments, which was a unique touch and the calming tone of the chant slowly built to create the perfect soundscape for the collection.
Grounding the range further was the addition of canvas boots worn by the models, the experimental designs seemed perfectly at home on the sturdy male and female forms inhabiting them.
It’s hard to say for sure if it was the serene chanting or the explorative fashion but it’s fair to say there are plenty of the fashion set that would happily worship at the altar of Lela Jacobs after today’s presentation.
– Evelyn Ebrey
Images: Yvonne Shearer Photography