LFWM SS18: Christopher Raeburn schools us in sustainable fashion

British menswear designer Christopher Raeburn unveiled his latest ÆOLUS collection at London Fashion Week Men’s on Sunday 11 June 2017, and while the FROW was packed with VIPS, it was the sustainable looks on the catwalk that captured the whole room’s attention.

For SS18, the British designer took inspiration from ‘The Long Walk’ by Slavomir Rawicz, an epic tale of adventure and survival tracing a 4000-mile journey from Siberia to India.

The sustainable menswear and womenswear was designed to evoke the spirit of adventure, and reflect a myriad of desert weather conditions.

Once again, Raeburn’s ‘3 Rs’ – ‘Remade’, ‘Reduced’, Recycled’ – were present throughout the collection.

As part of ‘Remade’, pre-flown kites from EXKITE were deconstructed and made into macs, anoraks and jersey. Authentic 1940s battledress denim jackets were also transformed into anoraks, and vintage German wind ponchos into contemporary parkas.

Jersey pieces including crews and hoodies made from organic cotton also featured throughout the line, part of the ‘Reduced’ initiative.

SS18 also sees the introduction of a new ‘Recycled’ collaboration with footwear brand Palladium.

Constructed using high quality sustainable materials including recycled rubber, recycled PET coated leather and organic cotton, the shoes feature a three-way layering system – meaning they can be work as sandals or boots, with removable knitted or waterproof socks.

Speaking to Yahoo Style UK in his Hackney studio ahead of the LFWM SS18 show, Raeburn explained the importance of considered and sustainable fashion.

“We cannot continue consuming in the way that we are,” he said. “As a relatively young designer you have a real obligation to think about the materials you’re using when designing.”

But it’s not about “standing on a soap box” for Raeburn. For him, the importance lies in providing such good sustainable choices for customers, that buying ethical ends up being a no-brainer.

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