For SS22, Antonio Vattev has turned to 70s and 90s rockstars for inspiration for his first coed collection titled ‘Soul Control’.
The Central Saint Martins graduate’s brand av vattev has always combined “art, music, history and future in one universe”, and this collection is no different. With its cutting-edge shapes and silhouettes, Soul Control was a nod to the past preparing us for the long night-outs that lay in our (hopefully near) future.
While we caught up with Vattev, he explained being drawn by “The idea of freedom, free spirit and expression from the 70s music scene and 90s street style”, taking direct inspiration from legendary artists Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Lil’ Kim and Mary J. Blige. The ethos of the eras are captured through the revealing cuts and vibrant fabrics, some custom-developed by Vattev himself.
Speaking of the making of Soul Control, Vattev “started with selecting the right colours”. For the designer, “it was very important to find the right lime green, yellow and grey. The colours I selected from my research from 90’s street style images and R&B awards – red carpet. The silhouette came after but it was a very important part of the whole process”. The meticulousness shines throughout, with highlight pieces including a lime, yellow and beige-toned furry halter top, a grey U-cut silk hoodie and a faux leather vest-dress. The collection also showcased its signature chevron motif, inspired by David Hockney’s Nathan Swimming Los Angeles (1982), which can be seen on jerseys and jackets.
This season’s accessories, which includes the brand’s first ever jewellery pieces made in collaboration with Freya Douglas Ferguson, further convey the eccentric nature of the 70s rock stars. We also saw an oversized baguette bag in green and black colourways made in collaboration with Barcelona-based leather makers Brussosa.
Offering statement pieces made out of deadstock fabric and zero-waste knits that stand the test of time, Vattev stated “Sustainability is something I am looking to develop in every single aspect of my brand”. He factors in sustainability from his “business to the clothes line. I think this is something every young brand has to think about. In my case we are using a lot of leftover fabrics, organic materials etc, at the same time most of the clothes are reversible, or have removable parts so you can wear and style it in many different ways so you can buy less”.
From 70s wildness and 90s unapologetic aesthetic, av vattev’s SS22 has us all feeling a little nostalgic yet excited for the future that awaits us, wearing Soul Control of course. Check out the collection below.
More on CULTED
See also: REUBEN SELBY SS22: A HOMECOMING FOR THE MULTI-FACETED CREATIVE
See also: ROBYN LYNCH SS22: A CELEBRATION OF TEEN MEMORIES AND IRISH ROOTS
