HIGH-END celebs like Bella Hadid, Rihanna and even Madonna have already put their eye on the cutting-edge garments by Dilara Findikoglu, and this is no surprise. Seizing her inspiration from various subcultural elements, Findikoglu fuses these with timely social commentary on feminism, religion and politics, subjects very dear to her and her followers.
This year for her SS23 collection, gothic, destructive, yet still delicate, and luxury couture designs are making a comeback and continue to expand the limits of possibility in fashion.
The emerging contemporary artist persists in defying modern conventions and presents “Freedom is a Two Edged Sword”, a showcase that re-visits her teenage years and unfolds traumatic memories from her past.
Held in a grand but ran-down West London Victorian mansion, the show offered a selection of both menswear and womenswear designs set to embrace various ancient Anatolian and Victorian techniques with a pinch of an innovative modern twist.
The looks were divided into four stages of the designer’s personal journey of “spiritual freedom and re-birth”. She called them: trapped child, chained good girl, the funeral of Dilara’s past and lastly, her re-birth.
A bold fusion of up-cycled vintage tapestry, various silks and delicate sheer fabrics presented on full-frontal nudity and highlighted on couture yet still maintained the famous rebellious and deconstructing nature of her garments. Moreover, another significant element to note is Dilara’s thriving debut of denim on the catwalk.
The models sashayed down the runway in complete silence, making the audience feel purposely awkward, just as the designer did growing up. It is undoubtedly safe to say that every aspect of this ground-breaking presentation immersed the viewers into the designer’s autobiographical timeline and set a tone for thrilling anticipation for what will come next.
by Zlata Kriukova