HARRIS REED F/W 2023 READY-TO-WEAR
Theatricality and grandeur are rarely lacking in fashion, but they are almost more prominent than ever in the designs of Harris Reed. Reed, who graduated from Central Saint Martins less than three years ago, has already been named the Creative Director of Nina Ricci. This came after the immense success of his personal brand, which was worn by the likes of Iman, Solange Knowles, and Harry Styles.
Ahead of his Nina Ricci debut, Reed took the stage of the Tate Modern to show his Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear collection during London Fashion Week.
Florence Pugh opened the show in an oversized silver and black harlequin headpiece with a matching sequin gown, instantly embodying the theme of the show: “All the world’s a stage.” This perfectly encapsulates the theatrical nature of Reed’s brand and of this show in particular. The black velvet corset top and boots act as a stark contrast to the harlequin pattern, but they tie it together so perfectly. It is extravagant, over-the-top, and loud.
Source: Vogue Runway
The entire collection revolves around the color theme of black, gold, and silver, with the sequin harlequin print as a commonality in many pieces. This brings cohesion to the show as a whole and maintains the air of glamour that surrounds the Harris Reed brand. The sculptural nature of these designs serves as a reminder that clothing is more than just a covering for the body; it is an art form, and as Pugh stated in the introductory speech, “The art of dressing up allows us to express who we truly are… Our costumes can change who we want to be seen as, and who we are destined to be.”
Source: Vogue Runway
Dramatic headpieces are another consistent element throughout this collection. Despite the boldness of the accessory, Reed does not shy away from pairing them with more exaggerated silhouettes. There is a roundness and a fullness to these pieces that almost make you forget you are looking at clothing. It is so daring, and it reminds viewers that Harris Reed is not afraid to take up space, whether it be on the runway, in the industry as a whole, or in life.
Source: Vogue Runway
The gold draping seen in these pieces serves as the perfect reminder of the class and elegance woven into every fiber of this show. It proves that an outfit can be costume like without losing its glamour, and it can be loud and dramatic without losing its sincerity. Reed’s mission with this collection, showing “the transformative power” of clothing, is felt through every single detail. It is not just clothing, it is performance art.