SteveJ & YoniP: London Fashion Week

This emerging brand has real personality as their catwalk show on Thursday demonstrated. With a dominant Tibetan influence it didn’t take long for evidence of this talented pair’s skill in tailoring to become apparent as fresh-faced models styled with long plaits, furry asymmetrical hats and medallion-decorated belts set the scene for a collection of elegant jackets and coats to steal the show. Blazers that were traditional in cut came in soft red, as if faded by the sun, and a loose-fitted cornflower blue jacket had sharp pleating on a skirt-like back.

Contrasts between coarse and delicate fabrics added life to the dominant palette of red and brown – layers of pale ruffled chiffon were glimpsed under heavy leather and patterned fabric coats. Further textural interest came from thick-knitted scarves and a silky printed fabric that appeared in shirts, dresses and even cropped men’s trousers. As the designs became more monochrome for eveningwear the delicate red white and brown print played a larger visual role.

The fusion of cultures really worked, and the reason is because SteveJ & YoniP have not made too much of a caricature of their influences. The show was refreshingly different – whether setting trends or following their own path I think we’ll all be snapping up pieces from this collection come September.

Photography by Charmaine Mok