BORA AKSU’S AW18/19 collection tells the tale of a young woman named Margaret Ann Buckley who went against the grain of Georgian society the most respectful surgeon of her time, but only being able to do so by disguising herself as a man.
Channeling masculine shapes and boyish looks, Bora Aksu deconstructs gender norms and experiments with the female body, which is an increasing theme amongst fashion designers collections. Models wore smart tailored cropped jackets paired with crisp white shirts, complemented by huge extravagant bows embellished with silver jewels joined with Victorian laced-up leather-heeled boots.
Representing Bulkley’s male persona through the rich blues, romantic reds, bold black and white counteracted with the floral theme of royalty, which prevails Bulkley’s true natural feminine form. The soft texture of the light pastel lilac, blue and powder pink luxurious pleated organzas and silk tules, flowed down the catwalk. This functional collection teaches us that a romantic feminine garment does not have to be delicate and that it can exist being bold and voluminous.
by Abi Simm