Songzio autumn/winter 2017 collection catwalk show for LFWM

Songzio opened the final day of the London Fashion Week Men’s with their autumn/winter collection catwalk show at the BFC Showspace. Only the South Korean designer’s second UK showcase, this was an ambitious but beautifully executed treatment of fashion as art.

Entitled Misanthrope, pieces were inspired by paintings from creative director Zio Song’s own hand and sought to draw the viewer into a narrative around an imagined contemporary man walking through an unknown city at dawn, both chilled and charmed by the empty streets in the eerie winter cold.

Centered around “paint on black”, floor-length trench coats, suits and bombers literally bore the marks of paint on fabric in the form of splatters and crosses. The free spiritedness of the artistic expression on clothing was juxtaposed with neat tailoring. Sharp cuts were greatly contrasted by exaggerated, oversized shirts and romantic twists and details in velvet and suede fabrics, soft, brimmed hats and loose fabric ties. Harsh monochrome and moody greys were interrupted with warm browns, oranges and camels, heavy leather with delicate knitwear. Bold drama, and light sensuality were mixed and contrasted as were historical and contemporary style.

The brand’s clothes now being available in 70 stores worldwide and Song leading Korea’s development of its fashion industry as Chairman of their fashion council, is testament to Song’s imaginative blurring of fashion and art as having significant appeal to a contemporary audience.

Sarah Bradbury
Photos: Kimberley Archer