For spring/summer 24, co-designers Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons took inspiration from the Cornish seaside, British folklore and teenage love affairs with skater boys – an entrenched tradition for us fashion girlies. As guests arrived at BAYSIXTY6 Skate Park, they were warmly welcomed with a shot of Gerty Milk, a Cornish delicacy of hot oat, honey and fluffy bread, a serene gesture in preparation of the upcoming upheaval.
Reimagining our tween dress codes for adulthood, the collection features low-slung bubble skirts, rakish skirt suits, and fleece zip-ups ruffled with hand-crocheted frills. Hand-embroidered anglaise white dresses brought a sense of ritual to the riot. Models stomped the runway resembling video game characters and included notable members of the fashion community and friends of the label, such as fashion designer Sinéad O’Dwyer, photographer Ottilie Landmark and SSENSE buyer Nick Tran.
Oversized belts, briefs and ribbed knitwear clanked with lucky charms and metal trims, perfectly complementing the mashed up soundtrack of rock and nu-metal anthems from 00s favourites such as Limp Bizkit and Drowning Pool. The brand’s famed carabiner-kilt-like skirts also returned, but this time they were paired with the Midsommar-worthy laced corsets and grungy leather jackets.
The collection marks a new venture for Chopova Lowena, introducing handbags and footwear for the first time. Crafted in Italy, the leather handbags are complete with customised notebooks, pens, and combs. Meanwhile, the shoes, created in collaboration with UGG, made a daring statement with each step.
Despite the fusion of contrasting influences, as a whole, the presentation possessed a coherent feel with meticulous attention to detail. As we prepare to empty our wallets, one thing is certain: Chopova Lowena’s cult appeal is here to stay.