Chopova Lowena Continues to Get Gritty for FW23

Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons’ eponymously-titled label Chopova Lowena was a (perhaps even the) highlight of London Fashion Week SS23, presenting angsty teens and party punks to one of the largest rounds of applause any debut show has ever received. Now, the continuously-emerging cult brand steps away from the traditional show format with a lookbook, coming as part of London Fashion Week FW23 with its own Fall/Winter 2023 collection, titled “Conversations with Angels.”

As expected, Chopova Lowena proves that gender really is just a construct. Breaking norms, we find its signature skirt — metal clips in tow — adorning the waists of Kurt Cobain grunge ensembles, complete with hand warmers in pink and black fuzzy stripes. Gingham trousers contrast utilitarian bomber jackets, while distressed beanie hats also in the pink fuzz bring Chopova Lowena’s  punkish undertones back to the fore.

This is the theme throughout — how does one tap the current trends of ’90s and Y2K punk, grunge, and teenage stroppiness, but make it feel original? Look no further than Chopova Lowena, a master in understanding how to add a unique twist to a growing fashion moment and movement.

Satin pink oven gloves are worn alongside a little black dolly dress covered in demonic mice cartoons, while monogram “CL” love hearts with arrows through the middle continue the rebellious nature we’ve come to expect from the brand. But it’s not all moody — bunnies decorate colorful fleeces, pigs work jodhpurs, teddy bear scribbles cuddle tights, and a fairy tale of charming animal characters fit for a bedtime story appear all over a two-piece ensemble, looking like an adult babygrow.

Chopova Lowena is one of the best when it comes to subverting expectations in fashion. Take a look at such examples in the FW23 lookbook above.

For more fun fashion, check out Edward Crutchley FW23.