Central Saint Martins graduates Freddy Coomes and Matt Empringham are gaining recognition for their innovative design language that challenges traditional fashion norms. Their collaborative work demonstrates a revolutionary approach that brings unexpected materials and techniques into the context of clothing. "What we are interested in is taking a technique or a material, which has these properties of something wildly different to clothing, and bring it into the context of what clothing is," they explain, a philosophy consistently reflected throughout their creations.
Their work is both visually striking and conceptually intriguing. Creations that resemble "a weird bomber jacket that doesn't make sense but you kind of understand—it looks like velvet, but it also looks like a carpet" produce unique and captivating results through the fusion of unexpected elements and textures. Their unconventional material choices, particularly Alcantara, a fabric similar to Ultrasuede commonly used in car seat making, add layers of complexity and intrigue to their designs while showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion.
Coomes and Empringham's work represents a harmonious blend of innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship. By asking fundamental questions about what clothing can be and subverting the original purposes of materials, their avant-garde approach presents new possibilities for contemporary fashion design. As this young duo carries forward Central Saint Martins' experimental spirit, the fashion world watches closely to see how they will continue to reshape the landscape.
Their work is both visually striking and conceptually intriguing. Creations that resemble "a weird bomber jacket that doesn't make sense but you kind of understand—it looks like velvet, but it also looks like a carpet" produce unique and captivating results through the fusion of unexpected elements and textures. Their unconventional material choices, particularly Alcantara, a fabric similar to Ultrasuede commonly used in car seat making, add layers of complexity and intrigue to their designs while showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion.
Coomes and Empringham's work represents a harmonious blend of innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship. By asking fundamental questions about what clothing can be and subverting the original purposes of materials, their avant-garde approach presents new possibilities for contemporary fashion design. As this young duo carries forward Central Saint Martins' experimental spirit, the fashion world watches closely to see how they will continue to reshape the landscape.
FAQ
Where did Freddy Koomans and Matt Effingham study?
Freddy Koomans and Matt Effingham are Central Saint Martins alumni. They carry forward the school's experimental spirit, presenting innovative design work that challenges traditional fashion norms.
What materials do Freddy Koomans and Matt Effingham use?
They utilize unconventional materials like Alcantara, primarily used in automotive seat manufacturing, in clothing design. Their core philosophy is bringing techniques or materials with properties entirely different from clothing and integrating them within the clothing context.
What is Freddy Koomans and Matt Effingham's design philosophy?
Their design philosophy is drawing techniques or materials with properties entirely different from clothing into the clothing context. Through this, they create visually striking yet conceptually intriguing works that expand traditional fashion boundaries.
