Ashley Williams has been off the radar since 2020, pressing the pause button on production just before the lockdown. But now, she’s back.
Taking to London Fashion Week, Ashley Williams presented a Spring/Summer 2024 collection (in association with Fashion East’s XLNC Programme – powered by UGG) that commented on the state of the world – if it keeps going the way it is. Per the show notes: “Ashley Williams explores ideas of pre-and-post-civilization – using the mediaeval to imagine a future where remnants of consumerism are adapted for life after the end.”
It saw a revival of passé trends taken to new heights. The legendary I <3 NY motif was now “I <3 M.E.,” a self-loving moment that was plastered across gimp mask-incorporating hoodies, collaborative UGG boots, sweatpants, and notably, an entirely ensemble centred around mismatched tights and a mini skirt. Her kitsch plays came frequently, as face masks became identity blockers covered with Hello Kitty motifs, baby grows were turned into Jester’s hats, and Y2K text speech was emblazoned across hot pink tops, with one reading “F*CK YOU ALL.”
It was campy and a little bit tacky, but all on purpose. Done right – which this was – and you’re faced with the results of your own reality and doing. Because when it all goes too far, this social media age, Ashley Williams is prepared to give us fungal dresses, torn-up collegiate gear, and tops covered in patchworks torn from our scrapbooks – like a talisman of old.
Take a look at Ashley Williams SS24 in the gallery above. More London Fashion Week content can be found across Culted online, on Instagram, and on TikTok.
More on Culted
See: Builders’ bums, utilitarianism, and a lesson in kitsch: Fashion East SS24
