The way of being oneself and punk rebellion
The Harris Reed FW25 collection comes to life with an opening that immediately captures attention: British actress Florence Pugh performs a monologue on self-acceptance and love, delivering the powerful phrase, “Be always yourself!” This moment marks only two years since Pugh’s Shakespeare-inspired monologue in Reed’s AW23 show, reinforcing the deep connection between the designer and the strength of individuality.
Runway show takes place in London, a city undergoing significant changes in the fashion landscape, with a blend of fast-fashion brands and emerging designers. In this environment, Harris Reed stands out with a proposal defined by rebellion, elegance, and provocation.
A Timeless Venue for a Groundbreaking Show
The Duveen Galleries at Tate Britain provides the perfect neoclassical setting for the debut of Reed’s collection, enhancing the collection’s concept. The interior design merges with Victorian crinolines and contemporary beauty, creating a dialogue between the past and future. At the center of the stage, towering chandeliers, in collaboration with Porta Romana, feature the same motif that adorns the models’ looks, dominating the circular runway and adding a theatrical touch to the set.
The Return of Punk Rebellion
Reed’s FW25 collection is not just a reflection on fashion but also a declaration of intent. Punk, the symbol of rebellion, is reimagined in a refined and elegant version, where gold and cobalt blue dominate the silhouettes. Once again, Reed blends sculpture and fashion, creating a perfect fusion between flowing garments and crinolines that evoke the past yet carry a completely new energy.
In this collection, punk becomes a response to London’s social and political realities, a self-expression manifested through excess and the desire to build an identity free from constraints. The collection, titled Romanticism Gone Nonbinary, symbolizes a movement towards an inclusive and boundaryless fashion.
Contemporary Crinolines: A Symbol of Protection and Identity
Crinolines, traditionally seen as rigid cages, are reinterpreted in a contemporary light: no longer mere structures but armors that protect and define the space around the wearer. They represent fashion as a form of communication and protection, creating both a physical and symbolic distance from those who observe.
Technology, Craftsmanship, and Bold Beauty
On the runway, technology and craftsmanship merge, showcasing innovative techniques such as golden spikes and 3D tentacles alongside hand-painted elements that celebrate artisanal beauty. The models strut in towering platform shoes, their deep black outfits illuminated by embroidery and decorations that contrast with accents of blue and gold.
Reed’s sculptural designs are brought to life through corsets that defy gravity, extending beyond shoulder height to create a dramatic and theatrical silhouette. Glamour and sculpture blend seamlessly, resulting in a unique approach to fashion.
A Bold, Theatrical Beauty Look
Reed’s beauty concept embraces a bold, theatrical aesthetic: black feathered brows accentuate the models’ faces, while nude makeup complements the dramatic looks. Gold jewelry adds a touch of sophistication and refinement, completing the ensemble.
Sustainability Meets Innovation
Sustainability is a key theme of the collection, with Reed incorporating deadstock fabrics from Savile Row as a nod to British tailoring tradition. Structured peplums transform into diaphanous chiffon, creating a perfect balance between beauty, innovation, and ecological responsibility—demonstrating the designer’s commitment to contemporary needs.
The Front Row and London’s Atmosphere
In the front row, notable faces such as Michèle Lamy, partner of Rick Owens, and model Dalton DuBois stand out. Reed’s decision to stage the show at Tate Britain’s Duveen Galleries is no coincidence, as these galleries were the first in England designed specifically for displaying sculptures, creating a perfect symbiosis between fashion and art.
Vulnerability in Armor: Fashion’s Strength
The Harris Reed FW25 collection represents a fusion of art, fashion, and rebellion. Glamour and the theatrical collide in a modern reimagining of punk, where freedom of expression translates into sculptural garments that challenge conventions and celebrate individuality.
The result is a fashion that is meant not only to be seen but felt: a fashion that speaks of protection, vulnerability, and a woman who, even beneath the most rigid structures, finds her strength in being herself.
