Saul Nash Explores Where He Comes From and Where He Is Going With FW23
A show inspired by cold-weather, technical ensembles.
International Woolmark Prize 2022 winner, LVMH Prize semi-finalist and Royal College of Art 2018 graduate Saul Nash presented his Fall/Winter 2023 collection during the final day of London Fashion Week. The runway show, hosted at the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN space, delivered a vibrant spectacle of technical innovation and performance.
For those familiar with his work, it was no surprise to see Nash delivering a delicate balance between functionality and craftsmanship. Often referred to as a “cultural innovator,” the British menswear designer always strives to bridge the gap between luxury menswear and sportswear through the lens of a young Black designer with Guyanese heritage.
For this season, he focused on the concept of functional cold weather garments. In particular, Nash analyzed closer at the idea of aspiration. He commented, “A lot of the brands that would sell ski wear or padded garments are selling a lifestyle of aspiration — or almost a dream.” It was this juxtaposition of wanting and being that he rooted his creative practice on for the show.
Nash added: “When you grow up in London, you wear a lot of ski outerwear, but you never learn to ski. It’s a symbol of aspiration that’s juxtaposed with the realities of inner-city living. For me, the collection is like a dreamscape, a place between where I come from, and where I’m going. I don’t want to wear a tracksuit for the rest of my life, but I will always want to be in activewear.”
Highlights included his signature knitwear tracksuits, thermal bodysuits, and leggings along with the use of deadstock nylon and recycled down. All models expressed freedom of movement through the smoked room, with some of them dancing and dodging some black sand sculptures reminiscent of cold landscapes. Elsewhere, outfits were paired with UGG’s Tasman LTA and Classic Mini padded ankle boot.
Take a look at Saul Nash’s FW23 collection in the gallery above.
