minki spring/summer 2019 collection catwalk show for LFW

For SS19, Minki continued to express its optimistic, fun aesthetic, playing with colour, print and texture to recreate the atmosphere of one legendary African market.

A playground colour clash of bright yellow, pink, blue and red were mixed with more muted navy, khaki and rust to create abstract prints and patterns. The playful colour palette interpreted the vibrant chaos, eclecticism and randomness of the Nigerian Balogun Market, as captured by artist and photographer Lorenzo Vitturi.

Waistlines, sleeve hems and navy and cobalt blue nylon raincoats with dangling pull strings were tightly gathered at every rivet to create shape and add an edge of functionality.

Belted skirts and trousers were a chic feature that directed the focus towards contrasting fabrics such as plastic and silk twills, canvases and cottons.

The intention of the collection was to clash dynamic prints at every opportunity possible in order to reflect the story behind it. The kooky contrasts were a visual endearment, while the somewhat more tame ensembles – such as the sleeveless longline dresses with contrasting motifs – created balance.

Metallic slogan sweatshirts in candy pink, sandstone and vermillion, styled with pushed up sleeves and worn on top of popped collar shirts, added an additional facet of quirky preppiness. Looks were completed with sweet patterned head ties and socks worn with jelly sandals, emphasising Minki’s unique kookiness.

Isobel Bridgwood
Photos: Huw Jenkins