The Japan Times - Monster trucks and levity lift London Fashion Week

Ukranian designer Masha Popova turned to monster truck shows while China's Susan Fang showcased a collection of ethereal dresses.

- Engines roaring -

Best known for her work with denim, Ukrainian-born designer Masha Popova continued what she called her "obsession with denim manipulation" in her new collection.

Models walked the runway in denim mini-skirts and hip-hugging low-rise jeans.

Popova, based in London, treated her signature fabric in a variety of ways -- including over-dyeing, flocking, scratching and patchwork -- to produce a "rugged effect".

The collection was inspired by monster truck shows and featured an "electrifying" colour palette for the outfits.

The models walked to the beat of techno music, with the sound of engines roaring in the background.

Popova counted social media influencers among her guests, including the sisters Abby and Charlotte Roberts, both with millions of followers on TikTok.

Fashion content creator and model Emma Winder told AFP after the show that she liked the "earthy tones" of the collection, even if she was "not really a double denim fan".

- Floating with Fang -

Susan Fang, originally from China, launched her brand in 2017 after graduating from the Central Saint Martins arts university in London.

Since then she has created futuristic designs with a weightless, floating appearance.

For her spring and summer 2024 collection, models walked beneath large wings made of white kites said to represent "human civilisation and emotions", hanging next to the figure of a "cold robot" also made of white kites.

Below-the-knee skirts, from black to pale pink, were paired with crop tops in the collection, which also featured dresses with tulle ruffles and sandals worn with socks.

Fang also showcased a dress made from protruding wire trees adorned with beads, handcrafted primarily by women from Chinese minority groups, a centrepiece of the collection.

Fang said that with the design she wanted to create an "ensemble resembling the Tree of Life, radiating the pure energy of human life".

London Fashion Week continues on Sunday with collections presented by Sinead Gorey and Erdem, before winding up on Tuesday.

S.Yamamoto--JT