Liam Hodges SS18: Making noise with a 21st century fashion statement
Saturated with references to ‘Noise’, Liam Hodges SS18 uses clothing as a vehicle to carry a 21st century statement. Millennial culture is faced with much ‘Noise’, resulting in the endurance of a different kind of pressure and identity crisis, and within this display, Hodges appears to remark on their hint of defiance that lies beneath their all-consuming woes.
Faithful to his quintessentially innovative style, Hodges integrated a number of attention drawing facets into his collection. Chambray shorts and trousers were lined with white stitch panelling that instilled a futuristic feel, and a collaboration with Fila led to a very much on trend collection through the incorporation of sporty panelled sweaters and coloured suede sneakers into the ensembles.
The sense of a contrast between resistance and inundation visibly materialised within the collection. A wide-open mouth was painted onto the models faces, seemingly screaming and swallowing up their whole jaw in this singular expression of emotion. Striped linen shirts spilled out of denim jeans akin to something that reached boiling point, evoking a do-not-tell-me-what-to-do vibe, and long dragging sleeves swamped the length of the arm, swaying to and fro and engulfing the silhouette with every step.
Beneath this overwhelmingly deep-seated pressure appeared to be an individual striving to make himself known. Donning spiky hair and a stony expression, there was an air of rebelliousness that followed from each character that stormed the catwalk. Frayed edges cropped up on the arms of neatly striped jumpers, almost symbolic of the desire-to-break-free. Clad in khaki greens, camouflage patterns, quilted vests and knee pads, it appeared as though each and every individual strived to go into battle with the conventions that simultaneously confine and define their very being. A screaming bear motif became a prominent theme on the catwalk, recurrently embellishing the garments and closing the show in physical form; cited by Hodges himself as a modern take on Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ (1893), the combination alluded to the notion that underneath their feeble exterior is a voice that desires to make some noise of its own.
With new designs to feast the eyes upon, Liam Hodges SS18 works upon a 21st century discourse, melding its counterparts with an array of visuals that express a fashionable embodiment of his perspective and will continue to make noise in the fashion industry.
Text: Libby Festorazzi
