London’s fashion establishment has unveiled a bold new vision of individuality, offering an exact silhouette, approved palette and narrowly defined set of acceptable deviations.
The collection celebrates people who refuse to follow the crowd, particularly the crowd still wearing last season’s version of refusing to follow the crowd.
Its principal statement is a coat of unusual proportions. Buyers say it challenges conventional ideas about the body, although the body was not consulted and would prefer access to the pockets.
Guests praised the designer’s distinctive voice before discussing which other designers were saying substantially the same thing. This was regarded as evidence that an important conversation was taking place.
The accompanying notes describe the work as an invitation to be yourself. Attendance at that invitation will require a fairly substantial deposit.
A high-street interpretation is expected next spring, at which point the original gesture of resistance will become an unfortunate sign of conformity.
Outside the venue, a woman wearing a coat she had owned for twelve years attracted brief attention. Nobody could decide whether she was ahead of the cycle or simply outside it.
The distinction proved difficult to establish without knowing who had lent it to her.
