The fusion of fashion and soccer has never been more evident than in the recent times, and Labrum London’s Spring 2024 collection, unveiled at the Four Seasons Hotel, stands as a testament to this trend. This collection by Foday Dumbuya, the founder of Labrum London, not only showcased his commitment to creating a platform for people who look like him but also paid homage to his Sierra Leonean roots and the immigrant experience.
Dumbuya, who is having a remarkable year after winning the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design and collaborating with brands like Guinness, showcased a collection that spanned elegant suiting and stripped-back separates, alongside sportswear inspired by his roots. The opening act of the show featured Arsenal legend Ian Wright wearing a blue patterned double-breasted suit and a pair of customized adidas Sambas, signifying the designer’s connection with the community and the sport.
The choice of location for the show was deeply symbolic, as it used to be the Port of London Authority building, where people came to get permits to work in London. Dumbuya explained that his story revolves around people movement, migration, and design by an immigrant, and bringing his community from Brixton to a luxurious space changes people’s perspective and helps them understand the juxtaposition of Brixton and the force of luxury.
The collection featured fabrics woven https://essentialhomme.net/?s=netflixwith mask motifs from the Temne and Mende peoples, two of the biggest tribes of Sierra Leone. It also included a tracksuit collaboration with Hackney Wick FC and Netflix’s crime drama series “Top Boy,” and blazers and coats adorned with prints based on Nomoli figurines, believed to bring good health and good harvests in local culture. These elements showcased Dumbuya’s talent for storytelling and context building, setting him apart in the fashion world.
Accompanied by an emotional music performance by singer Tawiah and pianist Karim Kamar, the show received a standing ovation at the finale, highlighting the impact of Dumbuya’s journey and the inspiration it brought to the audience.
© Photos: Labrum London
Click on this link to read this article in French version
