Till Death Do Us Part

To the rituals of 19th-century menswear and the traditions of mourning, designer Kate Bigwood fuses an edge of contemporary streetwear. Her all-black collection is a modern, melancholic reimagining of the dandy. Growing up around motorbike culture, this exciting statement reveals a passion for working with leather. Sharp tailoring and refined silhouettes are softened by romanticism. Antique chains and other hardware infuse the collection with history and personality. Back details, hand laced elements and studs are considered with care and conviction. Desirable, hand-made bags add a final layer to this highly accomplished debut. In this powerful collection, Kate’s use of leather becomes a symbol of protection, rebellion and identity. Mindful of sustainability, many of the pieces are created from deadstock, donations or gifts. Hard-edged, structured garments are softened with the use of natural-fibre fabrics and sumptuous shearling to reflect contrasts of armour and vulnerability. In a personal exploration of nostalgia and self-expression, the open road meets the runway.