September 22, 2021 |
The sun began to set on London Fashion Week and Harris Reed ensured it went out with a WOW. Taking over The Serpentine Pavilion, his back-lit models stood on concrete plinths designed by the architect Sumayya Vally. Reed had dressed them in elongated, demi-couture looks made from up-cycled Oxfam wedding dresses and morning suits. The lights rose and Kelsey Lu walked out in an enormous cloud of white tulle. Her sublime voice filled the space as Reed’s silent choir of models looked on like fashion saints, crowned with his enormous halo headwear.
Reed called his debut show Found, in honour of his up-cycled raw materials. He ingeniously reassembled veils, morning suits, and bridal meringues into his signature, flared silhouettes. The event capped a magical few weeks for Reed, in which he accompanied Iman to the Met Gala and scored three major covers: 10 Magazine, Grazia, and a meaty 5000 word New Yorker piece. These are just the latest highlights in a career that has seen him dress Harry Styles, collaborate on a make-up line with MAC, and walk the Gucci runway. He’s done it all whilst championing his gender-fluid ideal. His impact goes beyond aesthetics. Reed’s collaborative, project-based approach to his brand is offering a fresh approach to the fashion business model. No wonder the investors are circling. Resourcefulness, acceptance, and ingenuity are his buzz words. Glam Rock silhouettes are his signature and Insta-buzz is his currency. It’s a killer combo. Reed is nothing short of remarkable.
Photography courtesy of Harris Reed.
