- Date
- 16 JANUARY 2023
- Author
- GLORIA MARIA CAPPELLETTI
- Image by
- RED-EYE METAZINE TEAM
- Categories
- Fashion
Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY FW23 a Blending of Scottish Heritage and Club Culture
Charles Jeffrey, the designer known for infusing Scottish heritage into London's rave scene, made his Milan runway debut with his Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY Fall Winter 2023 collection titled "The Engine Room." The show drew inspiration from multidisciplinary Scottish artist and playwright John Byrne, specifically referencing his 1987 play, "The Slab Boys Trilogy."
Throughout the collection, Jeffrey paid homage to Byrne's personal style codes such as Fair Isle knits and tweed suiting. Additionally, some of Byrne's painted scenes were printed onto garments, further emphasizing the designer's inspiration.
The show was a celebration of both Scottish heritage and the rawness of the underground club scene, showcasing a mix of traditional and avant-garde styles. Models walked the runway in a variety of bold, colorful looks, featuring oversized knitwear, plaid patterns, and intricate embroidery. The collection also included tailored pieces such as blazers and trousers, as well as statement accessories like chunky jewelry and oversized hats.
Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY's Milan debut was a success, as he successfully blended Scottish heritage with underground club culture, creating a unique and exciting collection. His ability to infuse elements of the past with contemporary designs is what sets him apart in the fashion industry and has solidified his place as a rising star in the world of fashion.
The collection also explored the idea of a fictional utopia, where workers of the engine room must continue to feed the furnaces to keep the floating city in the sky. Jeffrey modeled this story after a fictional utopia, and it is reflected in the designs of the garments. The story is told in three parts; the Workers, the Posers, and the Snakes.
The Workers, represented in the collection by utilitarian and functional clothing, are portrayed as losing their minds in the monotony of their work. The designs for this group are characterized by workwear-inspired clothing such as overalls, coveralls, and jumpsuits, all in dark shades of grey and black.
The Posers, on the other hand, are portrayed as the upper class of the utopia, who have escaped the Engine Room. Their clothing is characterized by a more extravagant and opulent aesthetic, with luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk, and satin. The designs for this group are more flamboyant and colorful, with a mix of traditional and avant-garde styles.
Finally, the Snakes, represented in the collection by the most eccentric and eclectic designs, are described as "arch gossip merchants who disseminate the city's news." Their clothing is characterized by bold patterns, bright colors, and intricate embellishments. The designs for this group are highly detailed, with a mix of different textures, fabrics, and prints, creating a highly eclectic and unique look.
The Snakes' section of the collection is a striking and memorable end to the show, with its eerie and unsettling atmosphere, it leaves a lasting impression on the audience. The use of newsprint and flyers in the designs, and the statement "CONFIRMED: EARTH IS LAME" is a commentary on the role of fake news and propaganda in shaping people's perceptions of the world. The collection is a reflection of Jeffrey's ability to combine storytelling with fashion design to create a truly captivating and thought-provoking collection.
Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY's Fall Winter 2023 collection tells a story of a fictional utopia through the garments, where the workers, posers, and snakes are represented by different styles of clothing, each with its own unique characteristics. The collection is a reflection of Jeffrey's unique approach to fashion, blending storytelling and clothing design to create a truly unforgettable collection.
CREDITS:
Gloria Maria Cappelletti, Editor in Chief & Creative Director
Martin Romeo, Metaverse Designer
Donald Gjoka, Editorial Director
Eleonora Pirisi, Features Editor
Tanya Pletneva, 3D Graphic Designer