FASHION EAST PRESENTS 5 DIVERSE DESIGNERS FOR AW21

To end London Fashion Week on a high note, Lulu Kennedy, curator at Fashion East, showcased 5 outstanding diverse designers for the FW21 season, two of which are new to the platform. Fashion East has launched the careers of many talented designers including Gareth Pugh, Simone Rocha, Martine Rose, Craig Green and many more. So, here’s everything you need to know about the FW21 collections of the platform’s latest talents. 

Nensi Dojaka

Nensi Dojaka was inspired by Swedish geometric artist Hilma af Klint for her FW21 collection. Sheer fabrics, monochromatic tulle, abstract shapes and cutouts were all present, aligning with Dojaka’s distinct aesthetic. Showcasing for the second-time at Fashion East, the Albanian designer ventured into coloured fabrics, including a cut-out fuschia bra, blurring the lines between lingerie and eveningwear.

Maximilian Davis

Couture shapes merged with 70s retro futurism were at the forefront of Maximilian Davis’ latest collection. The eponymous startup brand made waves last season in its Fashion East debut exploring the designer’s Trinidadian roots as well as nightlife culture. Through immaculate tailoring and body-warping bodysuits, this collection offers a new wardrobe for church go-ers and club hitters. As Maximilian says, “I’m reclaiming these iconic moments and references for the Black community”.

Goom Heo 

Goom Heo turned to horror for her final collection under Fashion East’s wing. Inspired by artist Philip Jackson’s gloomy sculptures, Goom Heo’s collection saw lots of hoods, geometric-patterned knitwear and her first ever accessory – a crossbody bag. It’s easy to get lost in a dark and foggy atmosphere, like the one presented in the show. Heo though states her collection was “a statement on the need for preparation in the face of the unknown”.

Jawara Alleyne

Fashion East first-timer Jawara Alleyne drew on Caribbean mythology for his debut collection titled ‘The Renegade’. The designer created a new world for a new man through his garments. Cut out jackets and trousers as well as exposed midriffs and layers of draping all pointed to an unconventional interpretation of menswear fashion. To sum it up, Alleyne’s collection was unorthodox and effortlessly cool. 

HRH

Created by Hannah Hopkins, accessory brand HRH presented its debut collection which was a tribute to the designer’s time as a competitive gymnast. Rather than focusing on the time spent performing for picky judges, Hannah focused on “the moments when teams […] are all boarding the plane together or waiting along the sidelines for results.” HRH brought scrunchies and lucky charms, like Hannah’s teammates would always bring to practice. All materials used were made from recycled plastic with the intention of being as sustainable as possible, while never compromising her creative vision.

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