This season, designer Christopher Ræburn dives deep into the big blue with a collection named IMMERSE that focuses on responsible design and sourcing to protect both the planet and wearer. Ræburn draws inspiration from the beauty and fragility of the ocean through the use of truly unique and pioneering materials including protective neoprene immersion suits and Royal Air Force helicopter winchman coveralls.
The Unisex collection presented at London Fashion Week Men’s was playful and wearable in vibrant colours such as orange and yellow, which continue from previous seasons.
The immersion suits have been reworked and cut into an women’s anorak and men’s overcoat; both pieces retaining authentic graphic detailing and key functional elements including waterproof zips and emergency whistles to prepare the wearer for the most unpredictable sea conditions. For water resistance he created RAF helicopter winchman coveralls have been reworked into an anorak, coat and trouser offering water resistance, breathability and thermal comfort.
Other highlights include a contemporary women’s overcoat, top and trouser cut from original Russian Naval blankets with no two piece the same due to the uniqueness and irregularity of the pattern. Danish Naval blankets have been reworked to create a women’s bomber and men’s overcoat and iconic R bag. Parachute pieces have been updated this season with REMADE branding tape. References from the immersion and winchman suits are pulled into the collection with strapping details used on rip stop contemporary macs in black and yellow and a taped hooded coat. The Hainsworth wool bomber, now a Ræburn classic, is also re-imagined in a seasonal black and yellow.
Further collaborations this season is with explorer footwear brand Palladium, feature the unified logo PALL DIUM which integrates the spelling of Ræburn and Pallad to reflect both sets of branding for AW18. Working closely together again to create a series of functional and innovative footwear.
Once again Christopher Ræburn presented us with his innovative sustainable and intelligent designs staying true to the trio of words that represent the brand and that have become synonymous with the brand: Remade, Recycled, Reduced.
Christopher Raeburn Fall Winter 2018
London Fashion Week Men’s. Photographs: Catwalking.com