Sibling is the only label whose show I’m bound to love every fashion week. From its co-founder Cozette McCreery’s shamelessly self-promoting Instagram account to the notoriously buff boys the brand scout for the runway, Sibling never fails to put the F-U-N back into London fashion. Fun is its fuel – it needs it to thrive.
Sure, for those of us living on a mere mortal’s wage, dreams of owning one of the collective’s threaded “Hellraiser” sweaters or shredded dressing-gown-cardigan may never be fulfilled. Until now, that is. Get your purses ready. Take a deep breath. Thanks to River Island, Sibling are set to make an appearance on the high street on February 22. Flirtations between big brands and designers often fall flat, but whether you’re a Sibling devotee or not, this SS16 womenswear cosign is undeniably explosive.
In recent seasons,Sibling have paid homage to Debbie Harry, dipped boys head-to-toe in their trademark“Sibling Pink”and made us consider boxing gloves as the ultimate accessory. One season, I even found myself, razor in hand, contemplating shaving myself a Mohican a la AW15, until (luckily), I chickened out. It’s only right, then, that their debut diffusion line has a personality to match.
Sliced into two halves, one side of the collection is doused in ice-cream pastels on picnic-blanket gingham translated onto bralets, denim jackets and tube skirts. SS16’s softer tone is the perfect shade to keep the collaboration’s skin-flashing shapes playful instead of the same old sultry. Imagine if the cast of Grease was dropped into any basement club east of Hoxton and you’ve got the right idea. Extra points if you can start a sing-a-long or chirpse Kenickie.
In the collection’s second side, filled with inky indigo pieces, traditional Sibling style seeps through. All-out knitwear with tangerine piping and flower motifs, sweater-vests and pencil skirts are Mad Men-meets-Pop Art. For those inclined to don a full tracksuit over a figure-fitted dress, there’s a track top too, and let’s not forget the swimwear. Sibling and River Island have covered all “Summer Lovin’” bases with suits and bikinis bursting with frills.
Owning archive Sibling pieces might be a world away for most, but River Island are peddling enough entry-level items to keep your addiction at bay. “Sibling Pink” is the new black.
