February 20, 2022 |
Daniel W. Fletcher’s AW22 catwalk was more personal than ever before. This was because the end of 2021 saw a seismic change in the 31-year-old’s life: his father, Peter John Fletcher, passed away. The subsequent reminiscing led the Next In Fashion alum to channel his grief into something greater than suffering: with each passing moment of mourning, he explored the pillars of his father’s legacy, turning them into a clothing collection that was off-kilter-cool, anarchic and undone.
For a sartorial experience, the show was set against the backdrop of an alluring ballroom with high, wainscoted walls and gold chandeliers overhead. An upbeat score, remixing cult classic tracks, filled the room with a feeling of celebration as opposed to sadness as models began their promenade.
Swathed in smooth leather, patchwork denim and satin tracksuits, all locally and sustainably manufactured, there was an intensity to their step, upholding a jubilant yet serious facade.
Dubbed Before The Morning Comes, references to The Rolling Stones – Fletcher’s first live gig with his father – appeared as navy pinstripes, classic suiting and cream moire silk. Championed in 70s-style Manchester United sports jerseys, some looks came paired with knit scarves handmade by British Olympic Gold-Medalist, Tom Daley. There were even nods to uniforms with a military style two-piece, nylon jackets and silk ties making their mark, all in Fletcher’s alma mater school colours. What’s more, a candy cane striped vest reinterpreted a Levi’s t-shirt worn by Pete in his youth – only the revamp was a lot more leather.
The CSM Menswear graduate further evolved his brand with a co-ed offering, breaking up the boyishness with mini dresses and A-line silhouettes. Then for the final four looks, a series of silk organza headpieces by Noel Stewart, inspired by The Rolling Stones’ 1973 Goats Head Soup album cover, closed off the catwalk.
In dedication, with heart and his son’s soul, vale Pete.
Photography by Morgan Hill Murphy courtesy of Daniel w. Fletcher.
