Part II of Instinctive Nature is driven by an urge to reconnect with nature, exploring the wilder and tactile elements of the natural world and celebrating traditional craftsmanship and hand-made objects. This theme story, also looks to a more instinctive lifestyle where environments are more emotive and multi-sensory.
This theme story examines the connections between people and the wild, and focuses on colors with a raw, earthy quality. Instinctive Nature features colors inspired by both beauty and the strangeness of nature.
Tones range from purple-tinted darks and muted greens to more vibrant golds, which are ideal as the change in season becomes more apparent.
Blues becomes cool and reflective: the tone of Performance Blue is reminiscent of twilight, offering both depth and brightness.
Performance Blue highlights the continuing importance of blue as a fashion color.
Harvest colors are rich and raw: classic autumnal hues reflect the tones of rugged landscapes, and this ruggedness is accentuated when combined with textured materials and geometric patterns.
Red and green create a cool balance in this palette for A/W 1819, which is less showy and more rooted in nature.
Tinted darks have purple tones: Dark Earth and Wild Plum work as faux-blacks, anchored by purple tones. the tones appear like colors seen through the dark.
Pretty florals are incorporated into exquisitely detailed, banded crewel embroidery designs and simple block-printed motifs on lightweight cottons and silk. Designs are inspired by stylised blooms from around the world.
Pretty floral work their way into exquisitely detailed embroidery designs. Designs are inspired by Frida Kahlo’s wardrobe, and the collective influence of floral embroidery around the world.
Frida Kahlo was a woman that knew how to dress for effect. Throughout her life she used wardrobe choices as a means of play with perception, helping define how she occupied space as a woman, as well as an artist. As an influence she consciously created a style that set her apart both her personal life and her artistic intentions.
Delicately crafted garments appear pieced together in a homemade manner. Simple designs are key, in order to allow the artwork to shine.
Wrapped and draped layers incorporate detailed handcrafted fabrics in this story, which focuses on pattern and weave. Found and salvaged fabrics are pieced together and given a new life, and mismatched pajama styles look exotic when paired with heavy winter jackets and outerwear. Detailed artworks on sleeves create an eye-catching finishing touch.
Organic stripes feature intensely pigmented colors derived from nature. Meandering configurations are created with painted warps, printed yarns and hand-inked prints, along with random spacing and looser constructions.
Camouflage takes a new guise, inspired by layers of sedimentary rock and shifting sands. Fluid abstract forms cascade around the body and drive a more random approach to pattern for knitwear and weaves. This experimental look becomes commercial when applied to simple column dresses and easy tops.
Fabrics of varying styles and scales are mixed together for a homely quilt effect. Designs have the feel of treasured items that have been given a new life.
Mended characteristics give items an honest sensibility: these are pieces that are made well, with hard-sewn seams that reinforce a sense of offbeat grittiness.
Primal re-connection with nature inspires a feral and instinctual look, with materials that mimic wild animals and natural habitats. Fury, fleecy and crimped pelts are formed through looped pile and tufting.
Aged surfaces and handicraft textures embrace the beauty of imperfection. Nature inspires knits with meandering and entwined stitches, sometimes over-washed and crumpled or with delicate “wabi-sabi” repairs.
Instinctive Nature reevaluates our relationship with the environment. Sustainability is key to create clothes with a time-worn, long-lasting appeal. Beyond vintage reproductions, inspirations are culled from global artisan traditions, and modern technical materials are emboldened by traditional prints and patterns.
Rough and raw natural textures are incorporated into traditional menswear shapes, giving outerwear a sense of tactile luxury.
Knits and bottom-weights become anchors for looks, or work, as coordinated sets with an earthy feel. Lush materials emphasize a message of warmth and comfort with an organic quality.
Sustainable materials that appeal to the higher standards of younger, environmentally-conscious consumers are important. Technical outerwear has an aged look, using recycled nylons and washed treatments for a lived-in appeal. This ties into a wider desire for sustainability and long-standing garments.
the clementina project 