The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitecatwalk PROPHETIK FASHION WEEK LONDON Spring/Summer 2023 T he Romantic’ should be Prophetik designer Jeff Garner’s middle name. Hailing from a small horse farm in Franklin, Tennessee, this American cloth- ier has taken on the international fashion industry by establishing himself as a leader in using sustainable and plant-based materials while bringing much-needed aware- ness to the masses about how fashion manufacturing nega- tively impacts the environment and the human body. With his work appearing on the backs of celebrities like Tay- lor Swift, Cameron Diaz, Rihanna and more for significant red carpet moments, like the Emmys and Golden Globes, this southern gentleman knows how to bring the elegant country and all-natural aesthetics to a global stage without missing a step. This season, Garner's SS23 collection featured more of his tell-tale designs of lovely floral patterns, soft velvets, cot- ton and hemp slowly and organically stained with plant dyes. His taste runs towards the historically rustic, taking a heavy-handed scoop from bygone era’s styles of countryside living and silhouettes and twisting them into modern, cur- rent and wearable pieces for today’s gentile. He reminds me greatly of how Ralph Lauren took his love of ranch life and made it chic - same thread, but a bit more bo- hemian. Some could view his collections as an exaggerated conformist’s take on luxury dressing, but they’re too expertly tailored and perfectly executed to fall into the category of ‘hippie’. No, his past and present collections bring retro and whimsical looks to the runway and answer the needs of all those looking to add romance back to their wardrobes. What walked the wide wooden planked runway this season were pieces that appeared to reflect Garner’s unique heritage. Leaning towards a mix of Little House on the Prairie and a romance novel book cover, it was like watching the story of a couple in a modern-day Jane Austin story unpack their suit- case for a holiday at an estate outside of Nashville. Very dain- ty and pretty flora and lace patterns, appliques, and embroi- deries adorned baby doll dresses and short and full-length halter and sweetheart dresses, with the finale gown featuring a gingham plaid full skirt slowly glided down the boards. The menswear was more velvet and Fabio-like, sexy, bil- lowy and romantic. This genre of design doesn't pique my interest. However, I did appreciate the pristine execution and craftsmanship of each look, the fact that he’s sustainable and eco-centred is incredible, and it brought a nice spin to the current trend of British Austin-esque dressing (corsets, high-necks, lots of layered laces) that have been featured everywhere lately - thanks Bridgerton . It was a lovely show, and nice to see hints of historical American fashion. www.prophetik.com