Wales Bonner

English-Jamaican designer and Central Saint Martins graduate Grace Wales Bonner’s designs breech the artificial boundaries of culture and fashion, thoughtfully exploring identity, race, and gender. Offering a fresh approach to black and cross-cultural aesthetics, the label’s offerings chart the intersections of African and Western cultures, drawing from influences as varied as 1970s Blaxploitation films, contemporary Nigerian music, and the decadence of old world aristocracy. Not even a year after the launch of her first collection in 2015, Wales Bonner’s ground-breaking designs earned her the prestigious British Fashion Award for emerging menswear designer. The label’s new womenswear line plays on the fluidity of its androgynous menswear counterpart through subtle and effective tailoring. African cowrie shells, zig-zag patterns, Swarovski crystals, and rich velvets embellish cropped jackets, flared evening trousers, tailored shirts, and fitted knit sweaters.