In these emotionally charged, utterly surreal times, Botter acknowledges the fact that it’s easy to see fashion as futile and frivolous, but it won’t submit to this belief. Instead, for their autumn/winter 2022 collection, designers Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh propose that we allow the power of abundant style to give a voice to the voiceless without holding back, no matter the circumstances.
So, taking inspiration from Caribbean Carnival to create eye-catching garments that channel an incredible ingenuity toward empowerment and joy under the most impossible of circumstances, they argue that lavishness, even in excess, is an existential means of survival. This is because Carnival is a time when colour, abundance and love washes over a fundament of daily blues and poverty, regardless of any animosity, as an act of blatant perseverance and togetherness.
What’s more, by taking a look at the beads used in traditional Caribbean hairstyles, the design duo discovered them to be another elemental act of countenance across Black culture. These beads were essential in continuing to express culture and pride when Black people were annexed and enslaved. As such, Botter and Herrebrugh believe that such inventiveness could, against all odds, provide the modern world the basic coordinates for reimagining a future together as one as we endure an impossible war on democracy, a pandemic and a climate crisis. “We stand today overwhelmed with compassion and solidarity with the people of Ukraine, fighting today at the forefront for what we all believe in,” they said in the show notes.
Bringing this belief to life, Botter offered a kaleidoscopic edit chock-full of electric blues, apple greens and sugary pinks. From beginning to end, their sartorial expertise was woven into watercolour suiting, oversized ponchos, fluffy chairs slung over shoulders and bold puffer vests. And, playing with eccentric beading the pair took on tops, hats and even a leather jacket to create uniquely layered Caribbean ornamentation. For AW22, Botter rejoiced in human proclivity to triumph over tragedy.
Photography courtesy of Botter.
