Designer Talia Byre showcases her latest collection that fuses personal experiences and cultural references, featuring a transformed signature bag and a blend of sophisticated and youthful styles.
Talia Byre, a designer based in Hackney, unveiled her latest collection during a recent preview at her London atelier, where the corridors are adorned with archived fashion pieces that loom large in her creative evolution. Byre’s new designs, inspired by both personal experiences and cultural references, signal a significant transformation in her approach.
Her signature tubular Bolter bag has undergone a dramatic elongation, now designed to be carried over the shoulder or across the body, which reflects the designer’s practicality paired with a playful spirit. When a suggestion was made that the bag could fit a standard 2-liter bottle of water, Byre humorously remarked, “or wine!” This light-hearted banter exemplifies the collaborative nature within her studio, where lively conversations about music and clothing inform her artistic vision.
Byre’s latest works draw influence from the women in her life, both real and fictional, encapsulating what she terms “character dressing.” She recalls themes from Bette Gordon’s 1983 film, Variety, as well as childhood memories of schoolgirls and the impact of her great aunt, Lily, after whom her brand is named. The designer expressed admiration for a particular look she created featuring a sunshine-yellow zip-up hoodie paired with slouchy checked trousers, calling it “something that you just know is going to work.” Her team’s personal style was also a source of inspiration, directly referenced in various pieces throughout the collection.
In this season’s lineup, Byre showcased a wool midi-skirt complete with a satin insert and a distinctive slit at the back, styled with a chic blue knit and a unique striped bomber jacket. “We’ve just been a lot more relaxed about it,” the designer commented. “It’s a bit calmer, a lot looser. It’s got more ease to it. It feels grown up, but with a nod to teenage-hood at the same time.”
The collection embraces distinctly adult elements while maintaining a youthful feel, featuring shirts inspired by traditional menswear silhouettes adorned with checks and stripes, as well as ties similar to her school uniform. Among the standout items is a striking crunchy nylon skirt in an iron hue, which Byre found so appealing that her Italian fabric supplier hesitated to part with it.
Amidst the offerings, Byre’s team remarked on the potential popularity of various designs, particularly a windbreaker paired with billowing drawstring-hem trousers, a satin slip, and new takes on her much-loved rugby jerseys and crew-necks. Although these commercial pieces won’t appear in the available lookbook or at the upcoming gallery sittings intended for the collection’s debut, they have already generated interest, with some customers placing pre-orders.
Byre’s innovative approach and connection to her community are evident, as many speculate what beverages will be carried in her reimagined bags. The blend of sophistication and youthful nostalgia is poised to resonate well with her clientele, leaving a sense of anticipation for the upcoming season.
Source: Noah Wire Services
