September 17, 2023 |
From black, Irina Shayk materialised, her svelte curves clinging to a metallic silver halter-neck gown. Branded with the Mowalola logo and with a fake black eye (which all the models had) she was ferocious, stomping forward as if she were ready for war. She was unapologetically Mowalola.
The Crash Show, as the designer called it, literally came crashing. Inspired by Mowa’s first-ever viewing of David Cronenberg’s 1995 erotic thriller film, Crash, hardcore hyperpop tracks blasted as models began their strut up the runway – and to a surprise new Kanye song no less. West unexpectedly turned up, lending his attention to the designer who previously worked alongside him on his Yeezy x Gap collab.
Looks were high octane, bursting with punchy primary colours and overtly sexy. A new bumster – so low we caught a glimpse of the model’s groomed pubes – was a particular standout with its somewhat skinny fit and rigid construction. Micro mini skirts and enormous leather shoulder bags sported Union Jack and Japanese flags. The club kids came in full, rave-ready gear, always paired with little Kitten heels and colour block socks or, more often than not, medical casts meant for broken limbs.
A triptych of models arrived in tandem, wearing quite literally conjoined twinsets. Linked at the torso, hoodies, baby tees, or – our personal favourite – a baggy interconnected slogan t-shirt that read “4 Slim People” with an crimson silhouette in a contortionist yoga pose off to the side.
Late nights. Strobe lights. Mowalola has got it locked and loaded, ready for the fashion fight.
Photography courtesy of Mowalola.
