Kent & Curwen’s latest collection draws inspiration from C.S. Lewis’s childhood adventures, blending nostalgia with modern interpretations of British heritage.
KENT&CURWEN presented its Autumn-Winter 2025 collection during a recent runway event in London, drawing inspiration from both nostalgia and the concept of crossing thresholds. This year’s collection is influenced by the childhood adventures of author C.S. Lewis in Northern Ireland, where themes of imagination and transformation take center stage.
The collection aims to explore the tension between adolescence and self-actualization, suggesting that clothing can serve as a means of preparation for life’s transitions. The collection illustrates this concept through its designs, which include tailored blazers, trench coats, and sportswear—staples of British heritage. The silhouettes are intentionally relaxed, featuring exaggerated shoulders on outerwear and suiting, while using elements like rugby hems in babydoll dresses to evoke feelings of collegiate nostalgia and youthfulness.
KENT&CURWEN’s approach to traditional patterns—such as herringbone and argyle—is to layer and disrupt them, creating new interpretations while holding onto the familiar. The brand questions the rigidity of tradition in an era marked by rapid change, positing it as a dynamic concept that evolves.
Daniel Kearns, the Chief Creative Officer of KENT&CURWEN, emphasizes a playful yet expressive vision of British style. The collection includes distinct features like laminated tartans and hidden lion embroideries, which offer both aesthetic appeal and personal significance for discerning wearers. This multifaceted storytelling is evident in how children are often depicted embodying adult identities through oversized clothing, a theme reflected in KENT&CURWEN’s designs.
Founded in 1926, KENT&CURWEN has a long legacy of contributing to British collegiate style through its original offerings of ties and later sports kits. It has been connected to notable figures, including the British royal family and the Hollywood Cricket Club members. Today, the brand aims for a modern interpretation of British fashion that combines tailoring and sportswear into a genderless wardrobe intended for shared use.
As the brand continues to define what British tradition looks like in contemporary fashion, it seeks to engage a global audience while remaining anchored in its esteemed heritage.
Source: Noah Wire Services