Shokushu Boutique’s SS21 runway collection continued the playful commentary surrounding ideas of femininity which encompassed FF's LFW show. 

With the backdrop of St John's Church, Notting Hill, Shokushu Boutique chose the K-Pop song Actuallymymomisalien by Uyeon (유연), underlining the 'East meets West'.

Photographer Mikey San

Created for people not afraid to stand out and be different, Shokushu's Boutique was an exaltation of the use of latex. The notions of latex as an oversexualised material is transformed in this collection through the Boutique's palette of pastels and delicate embellishments of illustrations and lace. The collection demonstrates how latex can, indeed , be cute as well as empowering. And the models' dynamic walks in the pastel latex collection, down the nave of St John's Church, proved this. The brand is generally inspired by an ‘East meets West’ culture clash, which includes influences from Harajuku street style and Korean Pop and Hip Hop, coalescing into something completely unique. 

The SS collection draws specifically on the fantastic pink interior of the French colonial Tan Hinh Han Catholic church in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In tandem, the collection is also inspired by big name designer collections from the last 30 years, that themselves draw on Christian iconography: such as Lacroix’s AW’88, Versace’s AW’97 and AW’12, Jean Paul Gaultier’s SS 07, and Dolce and Gabbana AW’13.

Fashions Finest debuted Shokushu Boutique’s SS22 collection which will be ready to buy in November 2021. Shokushu Boutique prides themselves as being an independent brand that sources their fabric within the UK whilst committing to reducing material waste to zero through a bespoke service. Make a custom order from them through www.shokushuboutique.com or to buy from bulk by checking out their stockists www.shokushuboutique.com/stockists

The collection displayed a new way to challenge notions of femininity through a dialogue of conflicting textures and contrasting reference points. The textural and visual polyphony of Shokushu Boutique SS22 collection on the runway at Fashions Finest’s LFW show was a reminder of the power of materiality in fashion, after 18 months of being behind a 2-dimensional screen.

Moving between Rome and London over the last 18 months, Giulia Valeri of Ad Astra has been continually inspired by multiple sources. On the day, Valeri wears Ad Astra knitwear which typifies her approach to her collections: the white ribbed puff sleeve knitted blouse is accented by a multicoloured zigzag hem around the wrists and the neck of the blouse.

Choosing bold elegance, her collection is a dynamic conversation starter rather than a bold declaration of being present.

Photographer Joanna Mitroi

By combining tassels, bows and frills to standardised uniform of trousers or skirt and blouse, the collection highlights the malleability of feminine contours. A black mini dress is not simply that but embellished with a subtle flounce on the shoulder strip, thereby exaggerating the character and silhouette of an individualistic approach to this classic. Valeri's designs are simplistic, yet on a closer look rich in details and never boring. Every single piece is gorgeously figure hugging and favourably accentuating the female silhouette.

A constant theme throughout this collection are geometric bold cuts and colour pattern combinations, most prevalent in three designs merging a fiery red, nude and rosé tone. The unusual pairing with lavishly embroidered tassels in varying length make the pieces interesting and unique, adding an unexpected twist to their form. They especially come to retribution whilst in movement, steadily flowing in accordance to walking speed.

Structured knitwear that inverts with the corset, draws attention to the waist rather than restricting. Ribbed shirts feature adjustable sleeves, numerous fabrics are hold together by bows, and corsetry tops can be freely adjusted in width. Thereby, Valerie minimises stiff fabrication closures like zippers and buttons and allows the customer to individually contrive the pieces to their best comfort. This collection contrives new daring and fresh ideas by adding distinct twists to established silhouettes and forms.

www.adastrathebrand.com

Designer Kaffa Mockbill, showcased her collection at Fashions Finest  emerging designer SS22 London Fashion Week showcase 18th September 2021.

Makeup: Academy of Freelance Makeup Artists (AOFM) lead #mua Michelle Strain
Hair: Amy Tasker, Harriet Darling, Annie Berry
Nails: Julie Bryan & team
Creative Director: Tanya Beresford
Lead stylist: Leighanne Krystal
Photographer: Joanna Mitroi

Designer Sharon Sweeney, showcased her collection at Fashions Finest  emerging designer SS22 London Fashion Week showcase 18th September 2021.

Makeup: Academy of Freelance Makeup Artists (AOFM) lead #mua Michelle Strain
Hair: Amy Tasker, Harriet Darling, Annie Berry
Nails: Julie Bryan & team
Creative Director: Tanya Beresford
Lead stylist: Leighanne Krystal
Photographer: Joanna Mitroi

Designer Elisha Quarman, showcased her collection at Fashions Finest  emerging designer SS22 London Fashion Week showcase 18th September 2021.

Makeup: Academy of Freelance Makeup Artists (AOFM) lead #mua Michelle Strain
Hair: Amy Tasker, Harriet Darling, Annie Berry
Nails: Julie Bryan & team
Creative Director: Tanya Beresford
Lead stylist: Leighanne Krystal
Photographer: Joanna Mitroi

Designer Jana Simone, showcased her collection at Fashions Finest  emerging designer SS22 London Fashion Week showcase 18th September 2021.

Makeup: Academy of Freelance Makeup Artists (AOFM) lead #mua Michelle Strain
Hair: Amy Tasker, Harriet Darling, Annie Berry
Nails: Julie Bryan & team
Creative Director: Tanya Beresford
Lead stylist: Leighanne Krystal
Photographer: Joanna Mitroi

Designer Ad Astra, showcased her collection at Fashions Finest  emerging designer SS22 London Fashion Week showcase 18th September 2021.

Makeup: Academy of Freelance Makeup Artists (AOFM) lead #mua Michelle Strain
Hair: Amy Tasker, Harriet Darling, Annie Berry
Nails: Julie Bryan & team
Creative Director: Tanya Beresford
Lead stylist: Leighanne Krystal
Photographer: Joanna Mitroi

Designer UNIQUE, showcased her collection at Fashions Finest  emerging designer SS22 London Fashion Week showcase 18th September 2021.

Makeup: Academy of Freelance Makeup Artists (AOFM) lead #mua Michelle Strain
Hair: Amy Tasker, Harriet Darling, Annie Berry
Nails: Julie Bryan & team
Creative Director: Tanya Beresford
Lead stylist: Leighanne Krystal
Photographer: Joanna Mitroi

Designer Shokushu Boutique, showcased her collection at Fashions Finest  emerging designer SS22 London Fashion Week showcase 18th September 2021.

Makeup: Academy of Freelance Makeup Artists (AOFM) lead #mua Michelle Strain
Hair: Amy Tasker, Harriet Darling, Annie Berry
Nails: Julie Bryan & team
Creative Director: Tanya Beresford
Lead stylist: Leighanne Krystal
Photographer: Joanna Mitroi

Designer Radiqal Tat, showcased her plus size collection at Fashions Finest  emerging designer SS22 London Fashion Week showcase 18th September 2021.

Makeup: Academy of Freelance Makeup Artists (AOFM) lead #mua Michelle Strain
Wig cutting: Magda - beauty Works
Wig styling: Harriet Darling
Creative Director: Tanya Beresford
Looks & Styling: Created by The designer Veronica Fox with support from Fashions Finest's stylist @leigh_krystal
Photographer: Joanna Mitroi