Looks from Kowtow’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection. Images supplied.
It may be still be summer but the first of the new Autumn/Winter 2020 collections are arriving and with them is Kowtow‘s latest offering. Creative director and co-founder, Gosia Piatek, and her team have explored the essence of everyday objects and the beauty revealed in their abstractions this season. They were inspired by the works of Kitty van der Mijll Dekker, Constantin Brâncusi, Jean Arp and Charles & Ray Eames, which makes for a vibrant range of modern shapes and strong colours.
Kowtow have created their first digitally printed pattern on poplin which was inspired by Bauhaus weaver, Kitty van der Mijll Dekker’s humble tea towel. The blue and orange check feels retro yet of the moment when paired with Kowtow’s modern silhouettes. The simple yet strong shapes in indigo, ecru and brass denim are inspired by the work of Romanian artist Constantin Brâncusi. The beautiful fluidity of the pieces was influenced by Jean Arp and is expressed in organic curves and free flowing silhouettes. The brand’s bold primary colour knitwear is emphasised with volume which serves as a reminder on the importance of play and references Charles & Ray Eames. Kowtow’s continued dedication to sustainablity and ethical values is also referenced in the natural pigments and earthy tones utilised for the collection.
This collection sees Kowtow further explore artisanal crafts with the introduction of wonderful hand knitted pieces. They’re made from New Zealand wool, mohair and alpaca wool, with each piece knitted by women in India. The knitters come from refugee backgrounds and have been empowered to use their traditional skills to create a livelihood for themselves and their families.
Kowtow’s Building Block pieces beautifully tie the collection together in complementary hues of copper, peony and khaki. This season sees the brand offer a hand painted meadow print, digitally printed on 100% organic cotton jersey for the first time. Kowtow’s commitment to exploring the versatility of organic, renewable and biodegradable fibres without compromising on ethics and sustainability means the brand is able to offer new ways of doing things and new fabrications. They have been developing their own fabric colours and textures from yarn since their inception in 2006, with the purpose to ensure transparency in their production chain and protection of people and the planet. Fashion with a conscience is fashion we should all get behind.
Images supplied.