Christopher Raeburn autumn/winter 2019 collection catwalk show for LFWM

Christopher Raeburn, master of repurposing, reconstructing and reworking, returned with an army of models decked in black, khaki and high-vis orange utility wear for his Autumn/Winter 2019 collection. The designer has become renowned for his dedication to sustainability, so it comes as no surprise that for his 10th-anniversary collection, his knack for carefully considered designs and use of surplus fabrics couldn’t be made clearer.

Anoraks ranging from light windbreakers to heavy parkas, culottes, shirts and t-shirts were made using air brake parachutes and were updated into modern silhouettes. Patchwork dungarees and cargo trousers were just one example that indicated Raeburn’s commitment to producing zero waste in production. The designer also presented parachute and clean-zipped over-shirts in dead parachute nylon with matching relaxed trousers. Progressing from previous seasons, there was a broader range of organic cotton jersey tops, designed for layering as well as to show off the label’s logo.

Raeburn recruited the likes of Timberland (which makes sense, given Raeburn’s recent appointment as Global Creative Director of the outdoor lifestyle brand), Range Rover (for a debut range of premium sunglasses) and fellow Royal College of Art designer Margot Vaaderpass (for roll-neck knitwear made from recycled yarn) to support his vision. Just when you thought Raeburn’s innovative and thoughtful craft couldn’t be any more inspirational and impressive, he managed to achieve just that with this collection. 

Isobel Bridgwood
Photos: Huw Jenkins