Stefan Cooke Fall 2022 Presents Theatrical Trompe-L'œil Touches

You’re guaranteed looks when Stefan Cooke takes to the runway, and for the label’s Fall 2022 menswear show that debuted last night during London Fashion Week, Cooke and Jake Burt had the front row’s full attention. While the duo’s usual array of slashed knitwear made an appearance, this time around in hot pink layered on gray, yellow, and white, it was the application of new techniques that really shone.

Like last season, chainmail-esque embellished vests shimmered down the narrow runway, while touches of this were emulated on shirts running down the placket. Trompe-l’œil worked denim jackets that appeared to be made from an argyle knit, while decorated shoulder pads on T-shirts added to the drama.

This sense of opulence was frequently included in Stefan Cooke’s 26 looks, as models wore tutus at cummerbund waist height and coats were elevated with silver thread running throughout, giving the outerwear a glistening finish. These looks were inspired by Cooke and Burt’s visits to costume archives, looking at the styling of West End theaters, resulting in a white pleated shirt that was hand-made by cutting pleats into the garment and ironed to make it look embossed with the hidden details sitting within the pleated effect.

More of the same appeared on skirts, while the trompe-l’œil details were continued below the belt, only here they were stitched into the denim on jeans to produce a regal swirly graphic, once again touching on the drama of theatrical costumes.

Take a look at Stefan Cooke’s Fall 2022 menswear collection in the gallery above.

For more standout shows, check out Daniel W. Fletcher’s Fall 2022 presentation.