OLUBIYI THOMAS SS23: “PHOENIX RISING”

Olubiyi Thomas presents SS23 collection “Phoenix Rising” at London Fashion Week in the creative powerhouses of Hackney Wick. 

As per tradition at Olubiyi Thomas, the show takes off before the ultimate presentation of the collection featuring a fruitful array of creative collaborations throughout the day with performers Lulu Wang, Nathan Goodman and The Narrator(Amber Joy), artists T.I.P. (Zoe Bedeaux) and HforSpirit (Henry Bennett), followed by poet, musician Atlas Azure.

Following Olubiyi Thomas’ previous Spring/Summer 2022 collection, Let it Rain, the Spring/Summer 2023 Phoenix Rising is an organic progression for the designer. The Phoenix is the emblem of the collection which in various cultures symbolises transformation, reincarnation, and resurrection. Wild and powerful, the mythological creature is often depicted and associated with fire and ash, which are encoded in the main themes and shades of the collection. 

The Phoenix Rising collection features 17 looks that reflect the artisanal approach of the label with a symbiosis of heavily handcrafted African and archaic textiles in contrast with the appliqué of traditional summer linens. 

Lagos-born, Glasgow raised and London-based Olubiyi Thomas gains inspiration from Carl Jung’s theory Embrace the Shadow. For this collection, the creator touches on the initiation ceremonies of West African people and explores ideas around the spiritual realm of overcoming oneself in the unknown – which is translated into a deconstructed avant-garde aesthetic that Olubiyi Thomas continues to iterate.

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