Fresh from a BA at Saint Martins and a final collection that won her the prestigious L’Oréal Professional Designer of the Year award, Grace Wales Bonner is the most exciting thing to happen to British menswear in a long time. Teaming cropped mohair jackets with high waisted flares, and topped off with ornate jewellery, Grace’s final collection harked back to the soulful groove of 1970s Nigeria. Having just been announced as part of Fashion East’s LC:M autumn/winter 15 alumni, and with the whole of the fashion world’s eye resting upon her, you can expect great things from this one. Stay tuned.
What does Fashion East mean to you?
It is a platform and a support system, which I am really excited and honoured to be a part of. So many amazing designers have started with them.
How did it feel when you were picked?
Great. I’m really excited to be able to showcase my work to a wider audience. It feels good.
How has your aesthetic evolved from your BA collection?
I think there are some core ideas there that I will keep developing, but I am trying to find more of a grounding in the historical aspects of black representation. I think I am trying to be more subtle in communicating something.
Where do you find your biggest inspiration?
At the moment I am listening to a lot of radical black poetry from late the sixties and seventies, which is really informing the rhythm of what I am trying to explore.
How do you go about making a collection?
It is heavily research led, a very traditional Saint Martins way of developing something. I spent a long time thinking about what I was trying to say and why, and then it is about reinforcing that statement in everything you try and do.
How do you feel about having your work shown at LC:M?
Living in London my whole life it means a lot to me to be able to showcase here.
Who are you looking forward to seeing most at LC:M?
Craig Green.
What can we expect to see in the new collection?
Beautiful black boys…
Credits
Text Tish Weinstock
Photography Brett Lloyd
Styling Tom Guinness