The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2019 - Issue 26

bite catwalk mens A n exploration of the overly digital world we live in was reflected in Liam Hodges’ collection based on the meaning of fashion in a society where we are controlled by trends online. “We’re mutating, identity is no longer fixed, authenticity is outdated, online life is IRL [In Real Life].” Glitched prints and deliberated misprints on t-shirts added a sense of chaos to the refined silhouettes. Prints of salt crystals magnified under a microscope provided a dreamy element, and digital camouflage prints made up of ‘wires’, had piping details that were reminiscent of the suits fromTron. A collaboration with the Italian streetwear brand Ellesse added a sporty twist to the collection, which had trainers and pants with Liam Hodges futuristic prints. It was a cyber boy’s version of streetwear. Basic silhouettes of jackets and trousers were made futuristic through the choice of colours and print. Deconstructed and patchwork prints in vibrant hues contrasted with duller industrial tones, such as blacks and greys.There was an apocalyptic feeling in the collection, society controlled by technology, everything structured and uniform and then broken down in a rebellion of Technicolour. Circuit board style details added a mechanical feel to the collection. The overall atmosphere of the collection felt haunting; models wore white and icy blue contact lenses, reminiscent of cyborgs: a potential reference to our society’s increasing lack of identity. Trends are formulated online and emulated by the viewer, imagination corrupted by what society wants us to see. It almost felt like a collection from the future exploring the nostalgia trend, with styles from the past pieced together in baggy trousers, striped jumpers, and drawstring trousers. Grunge details and a nod to the era of punk were displayed through Mohican hairstyles and chains hooked through belt loops on trousers. A statement print against white t-shirts stated, ‘the Martians are coming to save us’ in true punk ethos, followed by a dramatic operatic performance. It felt like a call to arms to break against the mould and let your style speak for itself. It was certainly a rebellion against the internet’s hold on individuality. https://www.liamhodges.co.uk Liam Hodges