When it comes to the next generation of boundary-breaking designers, London Fashion Week wins every time. The likes of Simone Rocha, Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson and Martine Rose made their starts in the city, and so too did the likes of Charlotte Knowles, Mowalola and Grace Wales Bonner.
But despite these big names, for industry insiders, this season of shows the most anticipated was that of newcomer Paolo Carzana.
After releasing an entirely self-generated and photographed collection made alone during lockdown in his Cardiff studio last year (that had his talents compared to the likes of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano), the Welsh designer’s debut on schedule, a collection full of layers of gossamer organza and densely-layered outerwear, did not disappoint.
Now, we’re finally getting to see these creations in the wild for the first time, courtesy of FKA Twigs who wore Carzana’s hand-draped bamboo silk dress to a fashion dinner over the weekend.
The singer, posing for photos on a balcony overlooking the city, paired the white dress with denim knee-high boots and pulled her hair back into buns, adding silver jewellery to her hair and neck. She wore a crossbody fabric bag and used makeup to add a scar to her face.
Within minutes of Twigs uploading her gallery from the night, Julia Fox commented on the post with a love heart emoji. So we wouldn’t be surprised if New York’s debut came courtesy of the actor, who consistently supports up-and-coming designers with her looks.
Either way, we’re excited to see much more of Carzana’s beautiful work in the world.
