MISE EN SCÈNE

The title MISE EN SCÈNE references the collective effort, community and collaboration that goes into every Harris Reed collection. This season, Reed explores the performative nature of dress, taking inspiration from the rigorous codes of a debutante ball. These traditionally female tropes; crinolines, corsets, headpieces and embellishments, are reimagined for a new fluid society taking centre stage.

read more

The structure of gowns are exaggerated and inverted to create new silhouettes; a ball gown is literally upturned, its inner workings forced up above the model’s head and caged in technical organza, whilst a white silk cape takes its cue from a crinoline that is upended and worn on the back. Excessive metres of duchess satin, that might be expected to pool along the floor as a train, are instead elevated and create a huge orb around the wearer, focusing attention on their face.

Colours are rich and regal; peacock and royal blue, chartreuse and fuchsia are offset by black velvet, and white silk.

Proportions are exaggerated and distorted creating theatrical shapes including fishtail and ballet-like skirts, cinched in waists and oversized bustles that drape across the hips. Costume jewellery reaches new extremes, with celestial and lunar symbols cascading over the chest as a breastplate made in collaboration with long term jewellery partner Missoma.

The headpieces are created with brand collaborator Vivienne Lake, in bluebell and spherical forms that balance and elongate silhouettes.

This demi-couture collection combines the rigours of traditional dressmaking with the liberation and experimentation on which Harris Reed thrives. As always, deadstock fabric has been given a new life in these designs.

“It's not a concert you are seeing, it's a fashion show.” - Freddie Mercury

With special thanks to: