Pints and Priory: Paolo Carzana Brings Fashion Week To A Historic London Pub

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Few designers can boast a collection titled “Dragons Unwinged at the Butcher’s Block,” but few are like Paolo Carzana. His latest work, showcased inside The Holy Tavern in Clerkenwell – once home to the Knights Hospitallers and an ancient priory – was presented to a select group of industry professionals within the historic pub, offering them a glimpse into his deconstruction project.

The Welsh fashion designer has never been one to avoid a personal touch. Last season, his runway was set up in his very own backyard in Clapton. This time around, large pieces of frayed fabric were used to create deconstructed vests layered over blue-tinted ribbed button downs, while chaotic dresses reminiscent of Madam Grès graced some of the collection’s standout moments. Despite Carzana’s preference for a messy aesthetic, each item was meticulously handcrafted and painted by hand to create rich, vivid tones from what would normally be subdued shades of yellow, green, and gray.

As a dedicated gamer and design enthusiast, I found myself deeply captivated by FW25 – a testament to the artistry hidden in the tiniest details. Unlike many designers who conform to the norm, Carzana has chosen a unique path, opting out of mass production in factories. Instead, the heart of this designer beats with the rhythm of handcrafted creations, a stark contrast to the digitally enhanced illusions that often dominate social media platforms (as my Instagram bio proudly states: *Offline till February*).

In the thrilling world of fashion, I made my label’s grand entrance at London Fashion Week during the SS23 season. Not just a designer, I am also honored to be an artist in residence at the Sarabande Foundation, a prestigious title once held by the legendary Lee Alexander McQueen. It’s humbling when people draw parallels between my work and his, and this collection was no exception.

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2025-02-24 23:56