Monochrome Manifesto

Nothings black and white in life and certainly not London-based brand Monochrome whose A/W 23 collection entitled "Anthracite" gifts us pieces that elevate the brands signature black and grey palette with the addition of garments in the most stunning shade of Paraiba Tourmaline blue. Paraiba Tourmaline being the gemstone which represents wisdom, insight and creativity, attributes that could be applied to the collection's creative genesis.

Having established itself as a label known for genderless, utilitarian qualities, the brands latest collection remains true to that DNA with an assemblage of pieces which while continuing to feature linear details across the garments sees an evolution in designer Anya Kamarek’s signature aesthetic. This manifests itself in shirts, oversized coats and jackets which are imbued with deconstructed workwear inventiveness. Technical fabrics such as waterproof waxed cotton and organic wool give the garments a duality of fashion meshed with functionality. With many of the pieces mimicking geometric structures they are also suffused with a multipurpose sensibility. Hero pieces amongst the collection include a classic bomber jacket that's been reimagined in shimmering silver reflective nylon and organic denim

All images courtesy of Monochrome

We asked Anya about the thought process and creative direction behind this latest body of work, and she told us " For this collection, I experimented with shoulder proportions and architectural silhouettes while playing with a new colour as an addition to the existing Anthracite coal colour tones and silver reflectiveness. The accent was on drop shoulders and elongated silhouettes. I am looking into the future while using traditional pattern cutting and responsible materials"

That commitment to artisanal craftsmanship is evidenced through a production process which is centred on a small family factory in Poland while environmental empathy underpins all that the brand does. It's an ethical intentionality which reveals itself in a commitment to small-scale production, the provision of a fair pay policy to its workers, the use of recycled materials where possible and the procurement of fabrics that bear Bio-certificates. 

For those who don't want to wait for Autumn and Winter to experience this latest iteration of the Monochrome manifesto, Anya Kamarek has curated a selection of elegant yet relaxed summer season suits, which are available now.

Monochrome is a brand whose futuristic, tailored garments are instilled with an ethical ethos, and it would be a worthwhile consideration to make them part of your fashion future

Many thanks to Mihaela Popa for connecting us with the brand and you can connect with Monochrome here https://www.monochromeldn.com/ and here https://www.instagram.com/monochromeLDN/

Credits:

MONOOCHROME AW23 campaign

creative direction: KAMILA RUSSO

fashion design: ANYA KAMAREK

stylist:  ANFISA LUKASHOVA

set design: ALEKS ATKA

make-up artist: YASMIN KHAN  

hair: TOM WARR / BlueTit London

photography: RYAN EDY

lighting & digi assistant: BEN LARGE

shot at:  STUDIO 19

LONDON 2022