Grace Wales Bonner's Spring/Summer 2025 collection is a love letter to the late Althea McNish, a pioneering Trinidadian artist and textile designer who left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Drawing inspiration from McNish's painterly designs and her involvement in the Caribbean Artists Movement, Wales Bonner crafts a collection that pulses with the energy of warm nights in seaside cities.
A Tapestry of Influences
The collection features three of McNish's iconic prints – Osiris, Akarana, and Trinidad – which resonate with her creative spirit and her unique vision of British landscapes infused with Caribbean flora. Wales Bonner skillfully weaves these prints into a narrative that encompasses nautical themes, soulful tailoring, and a touch of retro glamour.
Moonlit Silhouettes
Striped crochet and mouliné knitwear evoke images of sailboats bobbing on moonlit waves, while nylon anoraks shimmer like the ocean's surface. Swimwear-inspired silhouettes and hand-woven leather footwear in silver and gold add a touch of poolside elegance.
The collection also includes collaborations with esteemed Savile Row tailors Anderson and Sheppard, featuring sharp evening ensembles in luxurious silk and mohair.
Rudeboys and Rockers
Wales Bonner's menswear draws from the effortless cool of rudeboys and rockers, with standout pieces like a tailored trench coat with bamboo fastenings and cowhide desert boots. Women's silhouettes are adorned with gleaming metal and sequin embroideries, capturing the vivacity of Caribbean nightlife. The designer's signature blend of European heritage and Afro-Atlantic spirit is evident in the collection's eclectic mix of fabrics, from frayed silks to cocoa-dyed velvet and polished Ecco leather.
Adidas Originals x Wales Bonner
The ongoing collaboration with adidas Originals continues to impress, with refined leisurewear silhouettes for both men and women. A new footwear style, the Country Low, is introduced in khaki suede and black and white leather, featuring a perforated three-stripe motif. The iconic Superstar Hi-top also gets a luxurious makeover in plush suede.
A Soundtrack of the Sea
Composer James William Blades creates an immersive soundtrack for the show, blending dub futurism and dancing drums with romantic vocals and melodic piano riffs. The music features contributions from Senegalese musicians Obree Daman, Ibou Calebasse, and the renowned UK producer Mad Professor, transporting the audience to a realm where the rhythms of the sea and the spirit of the Caribbean converge.
Grace Wales Bonner's Spring/Summer 2025 collection is a triumphant celebration of Althea McNish's legacy and the enduring influence of the Caribbean Artists Movement. Through her masterful fusion of cultural influences, exquisite craftsmanship, and soulful design, Wales Bonner once again solidifies her position as a visionary force in the fashion world.