19 September 2024 |
After making his debut at Central Saint Martins’ MA show in 2023, Yaku Stapleton has only had the opportunity to show his collections in 2D format – beaming straight into your phone, but not experienced in the way it deserves. That all changed this season, with the St Albans-born designer joining the London Fashion Week schedule to present SS25.
A continuation of ‘The ImPossible Family Reunion in RPG Space’ series, Stapleton’s family were once again reimagined as video game characters in a far-off universe. Set across five areas – including a library and forest – attendees were transported into the Yaku world via scenes that unfolded live in custom-designed sets that utilised leftover materials. Watching as they fished, painted and even battled in one scenario, the presentation allowed for up-close inspection of the clothes in motion.
Introducing womenswear for the first time, the collection was at the meeting point of the past and the future – exaggerated unfamiliar silhouettes that felt homespun thanks to the deadstock materials and handsewn techniques used. Puffy spiked boots that were blown up to gargantuan size ballooned around the models’ ankles while horned hoodies and shorts were printed with graffiti-like video game visuals.
Noting the team who helped bring the collection to life in his personally penned show notes, the Yaku squad appeared at the presentation – guiding guests through the collection and highlighting their handiwork. A family affair indeed.
Photography by Oscar Finnie, courtesy of Yaku Stapleton.
