September 20, 2023 |
British-born designer Ashley Williams returned to London Fashion Week on Saturday with a bang after a two-year hiatus. Made possible by Fashion East and its Ugg-sponsored XLNC alumni programme – which supports the talent incubator’s more established alumni in a solo show – the runway took place at the historic Collins Music Hall in Islington. Transporting onlookers to a fantastical universe, the show saw witches, gods and rebels get the Ashley Williams treatment; an eclectic and unique aesthetic that is equal parts cutesy charm and Salem Witch Trials.
Hair was messy and makeup was minimal, with silhouettes reflecting Williams’ aptitude for feminine shapes whilst maintaining the grungy edge that permeated the collection. Bandeau midi dresses were coated with a gnawed double-layer fabric whilst low-rise trousers were slashed revealing tight black mesh. Elements of creep and horror were littered throughout, with haphazard, childish illustrations spattered across poplin dresses and an ominous slogan T-shirt painted with the words ‘You Must Die’. 16th century-inspired facemasks piled on the eeriness factor and portraits of a bleeding Jesus popped up on baggy long-sleeves.
The 51-look show also extracted inspiration from sci-fi flick Hard To Be A God and Swedish fantasy classic The Seventh Seal. The films informed the collection’s fusion of futurism and historical garb that charged the offering, as models stomped a concrete runway and cross-fenced steps in custom Ugg footwear. A triumphant comeback to say the least, Williams has firmly established herself as a hot ticket for Fashion Weeks to come.
Photographs Courtesy of Ashley Williams.
