Saul Nash Explores British Afro-Caribbean Culture For FW22
Expanding on the vision of what men wear today.
Saul Nash’s rise in the world of design is nothing short of admirable. Since HYPEBEAST profiled him early last year, the London-based designer has been named a finalist for the International Woolmark Prize 2022, and gained well-deserved recognition as a semi-finalist in last year’s LVMH Prize.
Now as London Fashion Week gets underway, the designer is back to showcase his Fall/Winter 2022 collection titled “RITUAL” which sees him explore the spirituality and folklore that binds communities together with a short-film directed by FX Goby.
“The collection draws a lot of inspiration from my upbringing,” Nash tells HYPEBEAST. “Growing up in London in an Afro-Caribbean household, spirituality was part of the language of my life and in a way this collection reflects on some of these experiences. We set the film in a barber shop, which for people of color is a great equalizer; a true common ground. I’m interested in ties that bind people together”.
For “RITUAL”, Nash expands his vision of what men wear today. Like the waiting area of a barber shop there’s a sense of common ground that brings together different characters, ages and experiences. As always movement is central to Nash’s design, with seams and panel pieces that travel intuitively around the body. In-keeping with his penchant for functionality, Nash also showcases more tech-infused pieces like jackets with detachable sleeves and detachable hoods, as well as merino wool jacquard tops and track pants.
“I obsess a lot over function,” admits Nash when asked about this season’s materials. “I’m a finalist in the International Woolmark Prize and that’s informed most of my fabric innovation this season. The collection addresses the idea of dressing up or down. There’s a nylon/merino wool blend combat suit jacket which I love, it has this strength and tenacity in the fabric but also the antibacterial properties of wool”.
Prints are vibrant and eye-catching in equal measure, in particular a Guyana print created with a flag waved over a projector — a nod to Nash’s Guyanese grandparents — which results in a look resembling the lush landscape of the country itself. “I really love the Guyana print jackets and jacquard knits,” says Nash. “The knitted jacquard’s integrated with mesh too which will act as an insulation when worn under outerwear in the winter, and keep you cool when worn in the summer”.
Take a look at the full Saul Nash FW22 “RITUAL” film here and above.
