TEATUM Jones understands fashion as a message. Communicating freedom as SS18 centres around the story of Paralympian Natasha Baker who competes in dressage as it gives her the legs taken away from her by Transverse Myelitis. Using the sportswoman as muse, the duo fabricates the optimism of the individual. This interest in the body is the second part of the designer’s obsessions with the human form. Exploring how disability can inspire fashion through looking at differences in lifestyles makes for a compelling catwalk.
Categorising colour, Jones expresses the relationship between Natasha and her horse through relevant colour scheming such as rural greens, deep equestrian blacks and pastel hues inspired by the ribbon of show jumping rosettes. Sprinkling in shades of dark blues and yellows complimenting Natasha’s projected photos from her beginnings keeps each look as exciting as the heavily addictive beat pumped around the show space.
Assembling a cast of models with various body shapes, including those with disabilities, shows Teatum Jones’ ability to dress all silhouettes. Decorated with paint stripes, and detailed with big buttons, the breathable styles are completed with flat shoes and slippers that added extra character to the selection of apparel. Powerful and desirable, Teatum Jones SS18 is able to be forward-thinking about fashion in more ways but one.
by Joseph Furness