Edward Crutchley SS18: when different cultures and eras collide to create a fashionable masterpiece

For SS18, Edward Crutchley bought a regal air to the catwalk. Backed by wooden panelling and several coats of arms, models entered the space wearing slicked back hair and dressed in Elizabethan corsetry, satin robes and finely crafted blazers, completed with a diverse range of patterns and styles that evoked associations with finery.
Brim-full with fine satins in palettes of golds, creams, beiges, olives, and sky blues, and bought together with a Medieval revivalist and Edo Japanese era aesthetic, the collection exuded beauty and luxury.
Most indicative of the Edo Japanese influences, a double layered outfit and sweeping robes were adorned with delicate foliage in shades of autumnal red, and swirling on the surface of a satin jacket were an assortment of exotic flowers. Shimmering golds contrasted against their black satin backing, alluding to a classicist style, and intricate tiled patterns in earthy tones combined with elegant headwraps evoked imagery of warm eastern climates.
Despite this traditional feel, Edward Crutchley SS18 transcended boundaries courtesy of numerous aspects of the collection. Gender fluidity became a focus, with men wearing Elizabethan corsets and oversized skirts, and the boiler suit faced a complete revamp from a traditional working outfit to an ornate piece that was a far cry from its predecessor.