Chanel Joan Elkayam - A fashion show review
One of the gorgeous gowns served by young Designer Chanel Joan Elkayam. Courtesy of CJE.
About 2 weeks ago, Chanel Joan Elkayam invited me to London fashion week to see her first show – and I decided I’d tell you a little bit more about the brand that has shown so much diversity in its runways.
But let’s get into presentations first – Chanel Joan Elkayam, 21, founded her eponymous brand and as such became one of the youngest designers to ever walk in London. Her brand focuses on inventive and alluring cuts and celebrates feminine culture, through sensual fabrics etc. The very young designer has now walked for the big four fashion weeks – New York, Milan, London and Paris, an incredible achievement for someone her age, considering she is also still studying Womenswear at Central Saint Martins.
As I arrived into the show, I had no idea what to expect. I found out about the brand through her emails and had a quick look at what her world looked like online, but I'm a firm believer in avoiding the judgement of a brand through a couple of internet pictures – and there is nothing like a good old fashion show to give you the feeling of the brand.
So in the middle of a Tuesday Afternoon, while I'm meant to be at university following an International Criminal Law course, I find myself near Primrose Hill, in London, to witness the kind of magic Chanel has created for us today. The weather is clement, and guests start piling up in front of the location’s doors – they are colourful, creative, and all merge in a mix of excitement and apprehension.
After being shown to our seats, different bloggers pull their phones out as the first model walks through. I am not aware of this at that point, but front runner of the show is no less than transgender model Munroe Bergdof, a figure of the LGBTQI+ community, walking with a fierce “I DON’T FOLLOW, I LEAD” t-shirt that announces the tone of the show. Her legs float through sequins covered flared trousers – but it doesn’t matter; all eyes are drawn to her focused stare and her fierce walk. After this followed Kate Grant, a well-established model born with Down-Syndrome. She, too, is wearing the slogan tee – and fiercely carrying out what I am now understanding are the house’s core values.
The show integrated every culture, every ethnicity but even more than that – there was a model walking with a young girl in matching outfits, and the whole crowd was rooting for her. The sense of community and solidarity that transpired from every look, every second of the show was absolutely incredible.
As models pounded through the runway, the background music was covered by british Singer Benedict Cork, who’s voice and piano only were mesmerizing the crown and providing and empowering yet endearing soundtrack to the whole show.
Now – we’re not here to talk music, you’ll tell me; so what about the clothes?
Well, Chanel Joan Elkayam is still a student at CSM, and as such, definitely still has a long way to go as a designer. With that said, I do believe that she has a tremendous amount of potential. Here are some of her stronger looks;
Corset, you say? In a flowing textile picked out for trousers, the model wears a fitted corset with a golden chain around her neck and squared white leather bag.
Photos: Courtesy of Chanel Joan Elkayam
Cutting and pointing - The nicely cut skirt matched the jacket with a new genre of epaulettes
Sleeves for days - CJE showed creativity with these ballon like gloves tied around with a logo ribbon.
Over sized captain - in a fitted jacked, extravagant shoulder pads and belt pouch, CJE tops it all of with a gavroche. One of my favourite looks of the show!
The collection served strong, independent women looks with a variety of fabrics and cuts. The CJE woman is a seductive leader who is not afraid to show some skin, and yet remains resilient and creative. The vintage looks were revisited with an extra dash of sexy – just because you’re a leader doesn’t mean you can’t capitalize on your body, if that is your wish. The diversity of the models showed that there was something to be said about being comfortable in your own skin – and not in the way tall skinny blonds can be, but in the way that shows every woman is beautiful in her own manner.
Some of the looks presented were less my taste, and definitely didn’t give in to any of the current trends. But there is a strong brand image in CJE, which is quite rare at this stage for young designers.
Tell me below what you thought of the brand and the review!
Hope to see you around here next Sunday at 3 PM!