SFW 2021 has just finished and by the end of this article, there’ll be one thing that’ll stick in your mind – nothing other than sustainability in its entire essence. This year, Stockholm Fashion Week largely took the shape of intimate studio visits and a few live shows here and there, with the focus for the schedule centring, of course, on sustainability. However, that wasn’t the sole focus, with their counterparts of technology and creativity also taking bits and pieces of the Swedish cake.
Hedi Slimane’s Cosmic Cruiser presentation opens the way few fashion shows do: with shots of motorbikes kicking up dust in a forest. Set on the Grand Gaou Island (Île du Grand Gaou) in Southern France, Celine’s SS22 Men’s collection somehow takes a backseat to the daredevil motocross antics and the beautiful Mediterranean scenery. The young models, punk-rock outfits, and motocross daredevils all combined to create an atmosphere of freedom; youthful escapism prevails, particularly as many countries resume life-as-almost-normal in this latter half of 2021. Slimane’s film, subtitled ‘RIDING A NEW AGE / RESTLESS DREAMS OF A COSMIC TEEN’, bursts with optimism for a post-pandemic culture, moving past the months of restrictions to a liberating celebration of youth.
Kowtow was founded in 2006 by Gosia Piatek, who views sustainability through the lens of mindfulness. The brand is known for its clean lines and flattering fits, but where it shines as a true pioneer is in its dedication to sustainable and ethical practice.
Maggie Marilyn is built on a foundation of transparency, empowerment, and sustainability. With a purpose to ‘use fashion to create a better world’, the label embodies the forward-thinking fashion we love.
Prada’s FW21 Womenswear collection, is the third collection co-designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, coming in strong with vibrant colours and bold textures. Faux fur and sequins contrast with floral and geometric patterns, while oversized clutches and colourful leather gloves foregrounded the accessories. The show exuded optimism and, although it was shown without a live audience – as has become a staple in the past year or so – the exuberance of the collection is contagious.
