Into The Souks

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant, loud, bustling streets that weave their way through Marrakech, CMMN SWDN held their presentation in a desert-like atmosphere. With a set designed by Kimberley Harding, CMMN SWDN took the guests away from a side street in Soho into the Souks of Marrakech, where dusty stalls line the streets and the sun beats down waves of heat. Sand covered floors were balanced out by make-shift stalls emulating the set-up of a souk, while panels in tangerine, tan and dusty pink matched the collection and alluded to the atmosphere of Marrakech.

Saharan Fabrics

For a collection titled ‘Market Rodeo’, it is easy to see why CMMN SWDN design duo Saif Bakir and Emma Hedlund looked to North African street markets. After experiencing the crackling heat of Marrakech and the market squares that litter the city, CMMN SWDN examined traditional Saharan fabrics for inspiration, and used spring fabrics such as dry cottons and distressed denims. Key pieces included a cashmere panelled striped jacket with an elaborate fringed hem, and a loosely woven check coat in sophisticated monochrome. The bright mixture of colours, textures and materials helped bring to life an image of a bustling Marrakech street. CMMN SWDN stuck to their desert colour palette by using ashy greys, ochres, dark browns, dusty pinks, sunny yellows, blacks, bright sky blues, whites and bright reds, references to the amazing traditional North African dress elements that CMMN SWDN mixed in with European design details.

Artisan Accessories

CMMN SWDN expanded their accessories collection for this presentation, and utilised their Moroccan inspirations to create their coolest accessories yet. Elongated black leather belts wrapped around waists highlighting the intricate whipstitch detailing, and fitted alongside matching bumbags and gorgeous Western Moroccan-like shoes that went perfectly with a pair of bright orange sunglasses. Artisan slip on boots in tanned and black leather with elastic details were modelled after desert sandals and heeled rodeo boots. Perfect for that camel ride.