Private Policy presented by 智族GQ autumn/winter 2019 collection catwalk show for LFWM

Private Policy’s autumn/winter 2019 offering was streetwear for the postmodernist punk, but with an underlying message. As they have done previously, New York-based design duo Haoran Li and Siying Qu chose a topic relating to society, environment and politics which serves as the concept of their collection; this time, it was “Human vs Money”, which explored society’s obsession with consumption under the rule of modern capitalism.

Designs cleverly reflected the discoveries of people’s personal relationship with money, financial institutions, currency details and the effects of human greed on nature. Utility vests were worn over plaid button-down shirts and zip-up bomber jackets, while the value of solid gold was depicted through a metallic tailored coat and belted trousers.

Other references were more brazen. The label commanded that you literally put your money where your mouth is, placing a crumpled dollar bill over the mouth of a model. Half-fastened dungarees, slogan t-shirts and cargo trousers with oversized pockets had an industrial feel to them, while contemporary finishes included clear vinyl sleeves and metal ring details.

All of these elements – the silhouettes, fabrics, graphics and styling – excellently demonstrated Private Policy’s ability to depict self-awareness and societal consciousness through streetwear.

Isobel Bridgwood
Photos: Huw Jenkins