STREET STYLE
Menswear’s Grace Wales Bonner Unveils New Collection in London
Swarovski collaborator and menswear creator Grace Wales Bonner presented a brilliant Autumn/Winter 2017 menswear collection in London this January. Combining street style inspiration with oral traditions, Wales Bonner mixed Swarovski crystals and natural stones to add a touch of glamour to her creations.
Wearing a collection of polished yet earthy pieces, Wales Bonner showcased a diverse group of models on a catwalk of carnival sound systems and street preachers. Standouts included checkered knits embellished with stones and crystal rondelles as well as metal-studded velvet pieces that incorporated ornate crystal motifs.
In addition to crystal, Wales Bonner incorporated Swarovski Gemstones into her collection. Featured stones included Dalmatian jasper, yellow jade, black obsidian, moonstone and natural quartz which were displayed on long leather pendants, mixed stone rings and drop earrings. Additional Swarovski embellishment came on hats created in collaboration with milliner Stephen Jones.
Grace Wales Bonner shares, “It was interesting pairing the crystals and the natural stones and playing with the different ideas of preciousness. Using the natural stones also helped to bring a sense of earthiness and warmth to the collection.”
Swarovski has a long-standing history of collaborating with fashion designers. Beginning in the 1920s and 1930s, Swarovski crystals were a product of choice for top Parisian couturiers including Jean Lanvin and Coco Chanel. Swarovski continues its support of emerging and established fashion talent each season through the Swarovski Collective which collaborates with designers in New York, London, Milan and Paris to demonstrate the infinite creative potential of crystal. Past Swarovski Collective designers include Mary Katrantzou, Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane and Rodarte.