The SS16 Sibling show was dedicated to the celebrated label’s late co-Creative Director Joe Bates, who passed away earlier this year.

Muted Brights

The atmosphere at today’s show was naturally delicate, with a much more sensitive offering presented by the two designers, McCreery and Bryan. Dresses came in narrow knit sparkly pastel leopard print: colours according to a pack of Love Hearts. Crop tops, bombers, bikinis and knickers were all knitted with the same muted brights, and often finished with a sharp red cuff, and a ruffled gold ribbon. One of the many showstoppers was a gigantic frilled cape-coat, each layer delicately puckered in pastel stripes, all finished with fine golden ribbon. Even the quietest of looks remained totally statement – true to the heart of the brand – but this season we saw the more delicate side of Sibling, and it was really beautiful.

Girl, Put Your Records On

Black knitted discs in the shape of old vinyls were networked together in multiple silhouettes – from teency nipple sized bikini tops, to an iconic clear PVC gown adorned across the body with these fluffy records. At the centre of each one were fluffy violet and lemon pom-poms, revealing little circles of flesh as they bobbed along the runway. This crocheting became finer and finer as the show progressed, with floor length loose fishnet gowns in black and gold giving way more than they they take, perfect for iconic moments on the beach.

Signature Statements

Although famed for their knitwear, Sibling continue to humorously utilise and manipulate riveting fabrics and this time they turned their attention to PVC. In black and smoky-translucent – miniscule shift dresses pressed up against bare bodies, and lace up three-quarter length trousers and pencil skirts squeaked with each step. Another Clown-style frill cape in clear PVC saw an array of iPhones shoot up in the air to get a shot of yet another Sibling statement. Pairing with Baby-G, the brand’s signature leopard print made its way onto the 90s-gal staple watch for this collaboration. The designers continue to obsess over leopard – this season seeing it in canary, lavender and black sequins adorning knitted skirt suits in matching hues. As ever, Sibling remains a highlight of the LFW schedule – bringing humour, diversity, intelligence – and sensitivity – to London’s fashion output.

Photographer: Cleo Glover

Words: Tom Rasmussen