Preen by Thorton Bregazzi. Spring 2020 RTW - London Fashion Week

(Images from the designer and the public domain. Credited to the 

photographer/company where applicable: Gorunway.com )

A polished, refined and sharply characterized presentation for Preen by Thorton Bregazzi at London Fashion Week.  Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi have offered an impressive collection for their Spring 2020.  In its resonance as a slightly emerging trend for 2020, an expose of the risqué.  In as far as portraying more stripped down styles, that borderline with the seductiveness of lingerie. Sheer and lace inspired Inlays and outlays, intimately open, yet at the same time also portraying  a ruggedness.  This is the attraction of bringing back the more feminine inspired styles to the runway, in a contemporary sense infusing edgy and sexier looks that have matured over the years.  As the next generation are experimenting with mix and match styles, drawing from various points in history, but defining their own take on its stylizations.  An admirable display to witness, to which Thornton and Bregazzi have matched very well with their latest collection, in a thirst for individualism.  Of course the distinction of trends on the street with mixing styles via designer pieces and thrift looks, is a challenge that many designers will face, as it may reduce the volume of sales via the disinterest in purchasing a complete outfit. 

Upcycling or utilizing dead-stock material has set the tone for the slow fashion in its attempt at competing with fast fashion, which will not let up from producing cheap outfits at high volume.  This avalanche of low cost styles will effect the Thrift shops as well, so there is, regardless of environmental concerns, a breakdown and reconstruction that is occurring within the fashion industry.  Which has evolved for many reasons, more so as consumption markets begin to wind back due to the rising costs of everything.  The other, is fashion is wasteful and cotton is notoriously a drain on resources more so water and its overuse of land.  

In light of these issues Thornton and Bregazzi have sourced their own stock piles of left over Viscose, polyamide and other materials, whilst incorporating Recycled Polyethylene Terepthalate, which is a polyester fiber extracted from plastic bottles.  Seen mostly on the sheer dresses.

As mentioned, this collection is as close to the current trend on the street, the mixing designer, pop culture, 1800s Victorian styles, 80s, 70s, sex, hedonisms and modernism. Watching the stars at night and thinking when the next extinction event will occur and it won't be by human hands.  There is a fatalism to these styles which I like, but not a nihilism.  Resolved that life is both an alpha and omega.  Not to be taken for granted.  Lose the fears, stop the whinging, laugh at the absurd, don't think too much. 

 A very appealing collection.