A catwalk in a crypt is exactly where we want to be, at all times maybe. But we were actually at one, on the Friday of fashion week this year. Tell the Truth displayed their UK debut at St Martin’s in the Field, in London’s Trafalgar Square. The US streetwear label, by Rainy Womack has been making waves for a while so no doubt the London scene were keen to catch this one, as the brand touched down on UK soil for their city premiere.
Womack’s SS25 collection, ‘Blood Moon’ made use of recycled, deadstock, vintage and sustainable elements. “The collection explores the ways environmental factors affect emotions, stir anxiety, and challenge creative boundaries.” We can all acknowledge, and appreciate how the environment effects us. It’s pleasing, and rare still, to see a fashion brand celebrating more sustainable methods within their collections, and on a BIG stage like LFW? We can’t get enough of it.
In homage to the UK, the Union Jack served as a motif throughout the collection. A call back to Punk iconography that’s so distinctly British, with an twist of Americana, taking the form of a double-denim cropped and flared co-ord set. In an oversized silhouette that echoed throughout the collection, extra long sleeves were another signature, stamped throughout this showcase. The contemporary colour palette, painted with jewel tones of cobalt, ruby and warmest yellows, grounded with bright white and glassy black played well against the cold stone walls of the underground crypt. Makeup by THE New York Makeup Academy didn’t shy away from Blood Moon’s unflinching colour scheme, designing a cohesive lineup of looks for a diverse and representative selection of models.
Tell the Truth’s brazen confidence, maximalist attitude and decisiveness doesn’t dip out for any second of their collections showing. A wild but curated mesh of elements, and influences paired with an array of fabrications and textures, create a wearable and forward-thinking story. We can picture any piece on the brand’s well known celebrity followers, as much as newly found converts.
A mass of leathery fabrics, metallic buckles and spikes, and gothic jewellery played main roles in this show, favourites of the designer sprinkled throughout the collection. Sheer black mesh invites femininity and softness against this backdrop of hardware. ‘Blood Moon’ struts the line of self-assured city-living streetwear, and hazy, sexy, grungey partywear. Wherever it’s found, these pieces will scream bold and proud, night or day. Tracksuits find themselves reborn in the collection, pearlescent matching sets merge boxing gym styles with unapologetic box-like silhouettes. Florals and denim need not be such predictable staples for spring/summer. Womack builds them into the collection boldly, accented by utilitarian cargo pockets and zips. Sharp and large collars and frames pulled straight from the 70’s add just another layer to this all-embracing and eclectic collective.
Multi-faceted and perfectly unashamed is the only way to describe the collection, and the brand. Rainy Womack promises to continue building Tell the Truth’s well-marked influence in abundance. We’ll be keeping tabs on their next offering in women’s and menswear counting down to the next drop.