When you're a KNWLS Warrior Woman, it's not easy to let your guard down.
The first full day of shows at London Fashion Week provided a welcome respite from recent events and carried messages of hope, positivity, inclusivity, and dare we say it, fun.
The collection by Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault was a glimmer (quite literally with the addition of a light swarovski-crystal bedazzling) of hope during a London Fashion Week which is continuing in the shadows of more sombre events.
The collection featured crystal embellishments and was inspired by the idea that "reflection is key to growth." It also featured apparel made from recycled materials such as paper and wood pulp.
There was a sense of comfort and nostalgia in the pieces that we really wanted to come across, that ease and effortlessness, but still with that really tough KNWLS woman in there
“Over the past few years, Knowles and Arsenault have been pushing the boundaries of what luxury fashion can be. They've built a brand that's all about getting back to basics—and doing it in a way that feels fresh, new, and exciting.” – Charlotte Knowles, KNWLS
In only their fourth summer season Knowles and Arsenault managed to double down on their house codes, while continuing to intersperse this season with a renewed energy. The brands Y2K-meets-grown-up grunge emphasises the svelte torso with keyhole cut-outs, sheer lace-front jersey tops, mesh matching sets over-printed with baroque-style florals in layers of blues, and rugged cropped leather jackets elevated with ring hardware or curly fur trim.
It's clear from this collection that Knowles and Arsenault know how to work within their own parameters without being limited by them—and that's what makes them so special as designers.
“We said to UGG it would be amazing if we could do some of our boots in the UGG shearling for the show, and they were like yeah let’s do it, and hopefully that will lead to an actual collaboration”
– Alexandre Arsenault, KNWLS