Helen Kirkum Reveals New Reconstructed Footwear Styles at London Fashion Week SS24
The British designer debuts the Palimpsest Sneaker V2 and her first foray into accessories.
British footwear designer Helen Kirkum returned to London Fashion Week after a successful Spring/Summer 2023 season, revealing her first ready-to-wear sneaker, “Palimpsest.” For Spring/Summer 2024, Kirkum is reenlisted as a NEWGEN reception, receiving support from the British Fashion Council.
Kirkum’s sustainably reconstructed sneakers have become her undeniable trademark, seeing her upcycle destroyed kicks into something entirely new. This season, the designer recreated a home-like environment inside The Old Selfridges Hotel, showcasing new footwear and accessories by highlighting local creatives.
The designer’s Palimpsest Sneaker V2 is crafted from distressed leather and suede, featuring exposed seams that reflect their handmade construction. Frayed edges enhance yellow and orange pairs, while others arrive in a sea of blues and greys. Her first foray into accessories includes fresh tote and tool bag designs in “Sneaker Collaged Leather.” Miniature versions boasted knotted shoelace bodies, while crossbody bags don rescued shoe tongue lining inside and out.
Take a closer look at Helen Kirkum’s new collection in the gallery above, and stay tuned for more London Fashion Week content on Hypebeast.
Elsewhere, Ancuta Sarca’s “Florii” collection explores Romanian traditions.
