Started in 2000 by Lulu Kennedy with ongoing support from The Truman Brewery, FASHION EAST enjoys its 8th season of support from Topshop. Many names benefiting from their extensive support program now form the backdrop to London Fashion Week, with the following set to soar this September: HOUSE OF HOLLAND is back by popular demand, with a warm welcome to NOKI, and a proud and loud introduction to LOUISE GRAY.
Naomi Campbell wears NOKI for SHOWstudio project
Opening the gateway for customisation in the late 90s, the famously anonymous designer NOKI (an anagram of and pun on IKON), recognisable only for the masks he wears, continues his assault on the homogeneity of mass-produced, globalised fashion design by altering a garment through cutting, stitching or embellishment, and in doing so, brings it closer to haute couture. Playfully aggressive, the NOKI rhetoric is much owed to the writer and founder of Adbusters Kalle Lasn, a major influence on his work. NOKI challenges the wearer and viewer into new concept and re-appropriation, using recognisable corporate iconography and rearranging the message. For Spring/Summer 2008 which will feature at Fashion East, he introduces NOKI-NHS-Customisation and Aftercare Service; NHS standing for House of Sustainability, the basic Noki look, presenting the classic NOKI Frock Mask but with a cleaner more precise protest walk.
Above: Central Saint Martins MA Autumn/Winter 2007/08 featuring LOUISE GRAY
Born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, LOUISE GRAY graduated from Glasgow School of Art with a BA Hons Design – Textiles, specialising in embroidery, gaining a first for her degree, winning the Incorporation of Weavers, Glasgow award for Innovation. While studying for her MA Fashion at London
