Friday, November 22, 2024

Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY’s 10th Anniversary Runway Was Queer, Quirky, and Utterly Brilliant

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Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey is marking the largest milestone of his career so far, celebrating ten years of LOVERBOY by shutting down Central London’s Somerset House. Surprising festivities emerged at every turn, debuting his 10th-anniversary collection before London’s creative youth.

Somerset House’s cobblestone walkways were overwhelmed by the city’s fashion glitterati, seeing British avant-pop artist FKA Twigs sit on the FROW alongside Doctor Strange star Tilda Swinton. As guests settled down to salute LOVERBOY’s achievement, makeshift, face-painted soldiers emerged onto the outdoor balconies of Somerset House, revealing a DIY choir à la Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY.

Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection explored the concept of “queer time,” analyzing ticking clocks through quirky characters birthed from the LOVERBOY universe. First, the designer sent models down the runway in stripped pajamas ready for bed, emerging from their slumbers wearing tousled beanies and peeling banana boots. Deconstructed uniforms unraveled in motion, seeing button-downs turn into skirts and pinned blazers with dripping sleeves.

LOVERBOY’s signature queer-meets-punk identity ruled the showcase with an unapologetic edge, continuing the collection with cupid-shot models tumbling down the runway. Army and sailor uniforms were printed onto unconventional knitwear paired with LOVERBOY’s animalistic headgear, while theatrical tailoring and medieval elephant heads made bold statements alongside knitted fruit bags and a disheveled Converse collaboration.

As music dimmed and models were ushered backstage, American icon Beth Ditto returned to sing an uplifting version of Patti Smith’s “Gloria.” The 41 looks later danced up and down the runway in honor of Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY’s 10-year breakthrough. The collection was an ode to bright and queer identities, being boldly yourself while appreciating life’s passing moments. Guests were left with beaming smiles on their faces, and isn’t that what we all want after a show?

Take a closer look at Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY’s SS25 collection in the gallery above, and stay tuned for more London Fashion Week content on Hypebeast.

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