The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

bitefashion graduate WEEK fashion 2023 Nothando Ngwawaira Afro-futurism derives from a long exploration to de- liver a distinctive and exciting menswear collection. Nothando Ngwawaira presented complex, fantastical prints adorned on shirts with huge, pointed collars and abstract, needle-felted patterns on beautiful, be- spoke knitwear. A dazzling industrial hardware con- stellation was a spectacular embellishment on some standout trousers. At the same time, a reimagined zoot suit and a long turquoise ‘70s leather coat added a future dimension to the Big Bang created by this inventive collision of cultural sparks. Crow Main Inspired by the effortless style of late French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo and the romanticism of ‘60s French new wave cinema, Crow Main celebrated subtlety and detail in his ‘Echoes’ menswear collec- tion. His infinitely covetable pieces evoked Parisian cool with a distinctive modern twist. The designer referenced vintage pieces to amplify the warmth of age and time, using sun-faded effects to create the Cyanotype process on scarves and a standout trench coat. Soft, rich fabric textures, including baby cord, silk, wool, cotton and leather, were in moody shades from bleached-out blue to darkest Oxblood. Lottie Robinson Lottie Robinson defined accomplished, beautifully considered shapes and sharp detailing through her covetable ‘Legacy’’ menswear collection. Its tailoring twist took centre stage and reflected the designer’s love and extensive research into the powerful silhou- ettes of the ‘80s. She mixed subtle references to her grandfather and a distant family connection to black- smithing, employing a refined monochrome palette inspired by vintage photographs. Her skilful, sophis- ticated pieces layered throughout with thoughtful, surprising and considered features such as strapping on bags and ties derived from protective aprons. These softened the precise cutting and added delicacy to this consummate sartorial statement. Nothando Ngwawaira Crow Main