Playtime has just begun as the fun, frivolous, and folkloric Chopova Lowena collection drops
Skateparks and industrial estates serve as the stage for Chopova Lowena’s wacky concoction of wonder-clothes.
DESIGNER: CHOPOVA LOWENA
SEASON: Spring/Summer 2022
EVENT: London Fashion Week
LOCATION: On the URL here.
It’s officially happened! Originally classmates studying at CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS, the dynamic duo (following US Vogue’s first solo male cover with HARRY STYLES manspreading in a signature Chopova Lowena skirt) of Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena have invited men to the party. Afforded the same silly and psychedelic patterns as their female counterparts, this season saw the introduction of menswear as the brand continues to inject its artisanal and sustainable craft of Germanic references, modernised from traditional textile and technique, into asymmetrical punkish, sportswear - and a twist of skater hybrids.
With the clipped British voiceover of a ‘60s pageantry host (IRL, it’s LIAM HESS of Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging, you know… ‘Saliva Kid’), the trinket toting motley crew each had their moment to strut through the abandoned skatepark in Romford to the applause of one another. The girls mix between royal court in trachten bustiers, oversized collars, studded leg-o-mutton sleeves, and bouffant pleated skirts. The guys in loose skater-boy two-tone flares and big-buckled belts to tuck in their own oversized collared, sleeve-studded dress shirts. Nine-year-old Kaia is spoilt for choice in cartoon motif mesh shirts, a frilly tiered midi-skirt, and hair reminiscent of alien antenna with thick chain trinkets adorned.
Colours of toxic zings and pastels on mismatched marbled tights and trousers are in keeping with the classic Chopova Lowena look that led to fanfare on behalf of stylists world-wide. Illustration’s hand-drawn by the design duo of simplistic floral cut-outs and faces of cartoon characters blend seamlessly with vampy dresses, Avril Lavigne-era long crochet-embroidered gloves, and knee-length socks. The sharply cut-out sleeves and bralettes against soft ribbons are reminiscent of current statement looks taking precedence of fashion imagery throughout social media now. While oversized, thickly threaded shoulder bags to match are their own it-pieces if you don’t have the fully-fledged confidence that others might in the Chopova Lowena fandom.
In a time where the fashion industry struggles between spawns of influencer trends and a desperation for individualism, Chopova Lowena continues to take the prize and thrive in their own league of traditional, trinketed, and modern theatrical mutants envied by all.
FASHION WEEK is here to catch you up on the latest trends, designers and lewks direct from the runway with a focus on the best of next generation talent. Whether your cup of tea is giant inflatable balloons parading through the crowd or multi-coloured knitted sweaters, we’ve got something for you.