FROM CARNI TO IBIZA: AGR SS23 HAS GOT YOU COVERED

by Stella Hughes 1 year ago

by Stella Hughes 1 year ago 3min

This was no ordinary fashion show. Far removed from the illustrious halls of luxury presentations in Paris, AGR Knit showed in the hallowed halls of an entirely different, yet even more impactful institution: iconic London nightclub, Fabric. Speaking to us after the show, Alicia Robinson explained that it was a “full circle moment” for her – having worked on the door of London nightclubs in her early career.

Turns out those same doors fostered multidisciplinary talent – where Alicia met Jyoty Singh, the musician and creative who provided the music for the AGR show. With high-octane beats and throwback bangers blended into an energised mix, it was only fair that they were given Fabric’s soundsystem to play out – and provided the perfect backdrop for AGR’s SS23 to hit the stage.

Aptly titled ‘Dripping in Colour’, the collection was a celebration of AGR’s journey and brand ethos – building on the experimental design codes it has fostered since its inception, in order to present a cohesive and comprehensive collection. As ever, knits were central to proceedings: coming in colourful minidresses, tank tops and bandeaus, as well as netted flare trousers. Sunset hues gave way to neons, which in turn, showcased the feel-good nature of the collection. As Alicia personified, it was “all about promoting positivity, mental wellbeing, and having fun”.

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However, alongside the heritage knits, SS23 also saw AGR dive into new design techniques and processes. Patchwork recycled denim jackets and trousers displayed the brand’s impressive command of materiality, whilst crochet pieces were adorned with metallic foiling. The effect was pieces that embodied the AGR spirit whilst adding a sense of elevated versatility to the collection – these were pieces that could be worn at carni, and carried over into a club night as easily as they could be spotted beachside in Ibiza.

Elsewhere, AGR built on its coveted tye-dye process pieces with jumpsuits, tops and trousers coming in neon yellow and blue iterations. Fittingly, prints were inspired by Katharina Grosse’s fabric installations, and the 90s references came in thick and fast: high-shine swimwear and ‘sandblasted’ jeans sat amongst futuristic clubwear, and most effortlessly, an overarching sense of positivity.

In the accessories department, AGR partnered with Hatton Labs to create a line of “statement fluorescent pieces including resin-dipped earrings and blinged out gemstone rings”. Taking Alicia’s own signature bamboo hoops, making them neon, and adorning them with the brand logo through the centre grounded this offering in the personal – this was a rightful celebration of Alicia’s journey, as much as it was the brand’s as a whole. Bright, bold visors, leather belts and handmade Italian bags completed the accessories lineup, and added the finishing touches to what was a confident and dynamic collection and show from one of London’s most exciting design talents.

With a finale that saw the models file on to the nightclub’s stage, the departing notes were ones of sadness (how did that go so quickly?!) but also of playfulness – it was less of a “see you next year”, and more of a “see you on the dance floor”.