At London Fashion Week, Rosie Evans unveiled her autumn/winter 2025 collection, ‘Drowning by Numbers,’ focusing on sustainability and the environmental impact of fast fashion.

At London Fashion Week, Welsh designer Rosie Evans took the stage on September 17, 2023, unveiling her autumn/winter 2025 collection titled “Drowning by Numbers” at the “I, Voyeur” showcase. This event is designed to highlight “next gen design,” and Evans’ collection stands as a response to the environmental and ecological challenges posed by the fast fashion industry. The overall theme draws from her personal reflections on materialism, notably articulated in her newsletter where she described the process of moving house as encountering “a tidal wave of stuff.” This collection, rich with emotional depth, aims to balance the fantastical with the pressing realities of fashion’s impact on the planet.

The show commenced with a striking piece, the “Siren’s Call Gown,” notable for its incorporation of “Traditional Welsh Recipes” that evoke Evans’ heritage. The gown features a quilted fabric adorned with embroidered designs of Indian elephants and trees, set against layers of pastel yellow tulle. This combination highlights a harmony between durability and delicacy. The Victorian-style basque-waist is cinched with intricately twisted ropes, transforming everyday domestic materials into statements of elegance. Additionally, the astonishing gold chainmail headpiece crafted by Florence West contributed to the collection’s unique exploration of historical influences, merging elements of class and culture through fashion.

Continuing the narrative of maritime inspiration, the subsequent look showcased a refreshing twist on nautical tradition with an asymmetrical striped scrap knit cardigan paired with a matching scarf. The piece, colored in various shades but unified by a cream yarn, defied typical seafarer fashion. Evans encouraged viewers to engage with the collection actively, as each garment connected to its predecessor while presenting itself in a distinct manner. The model’s attire—a light blue wash denim embellished with vibrant grape purple—offered a contrast to the playful spirit reflected in the model’s props, which included a miniature sailing boat and a cap adorned with playful pins. This juxtaposition was marked by the model’s serious expression, encapsulating the effortless spirit of the narrative.

The presentation progressed with a layered outfit featuring a black floral lace top beneath a “Sand slip” fabric sourced from the streets, partnered with “Bed Shorts” crafted from donated cotton by Sula Clothing. Accessories such as a soft woollen tricorn hat and neckwear illustrated how Evans incorporated found materials into her designs, breathing new life into what may have otherwise been deemed “unwearable.” Her innovative approach emphasized the creative potential of secondhand garments, showcasing how fashion can embrace sustainability without exorbitant costs.

Another highlight was the “Library Bonnet,” made from offcuts of the Library Skirt available on her website. This piece, coupled with large silver hoop earrings adorned with bows, underscored the value of recycling materials in high fashion. The collection continued to integrate themes of nature and animal movements, furthering its dialogue on the relationship between environment and garment design.

Evans’ “Drowning by Numbers” is presented as a transformative collection that not only provides a critique of the existing fashion paradigm but serves as a blueprint for sustainable practices in mainstream fashion. By incorporating various upcycled materials and a narrative steeped in ecological consciousness, the designer positions herself as a leader among smaller and independent fashion creators advocating for sustainability.

Source: Noah Wire Services