Chet Lo has been sexing-up London Fashion Week since his runway debut a year ago – the New Gen designer has become synonymous to the London fashion scene with his colourful spikes and celebrity placements. A powerful testament to self-acceptance, inclusivity, and reclaiming personal power, this season’s collection serves as a healing journey for Lo, who experienced the impact of Western media’s narrow standards of beauty and societal taboos surrounding sexuality, leaving him feeling desexualised and marginalised. With the Spring/Summer 2024 collection, Lo rewrites a stagnant narrative of beauty, embracing and celebrating diversity.
Seductive prints pay homage to the sensuality found in ancient Chinese erotic art and the Japanese art form of Shunga. Lo fearlessly incorporates these prints into the designs, featuring knit lace trousers and satin devoré tops adorned with intricate monograms revealing intimate moments of love shared by couples of various sexualities, challenging societal norms and celebrating the beauty of diverse expressions of love.
The juxtaposition between the graphic prints and delicate knit lace mini dresses and second-skin skirts creates an alluring tension. The intensity of the prints reaches its peak on white leather jackets, adding an edgy and vibrant touch. As the collection adapts to the increasing global temperatures, the viscose yarns used in the spiky pieces become lighter and bouncier. Spikes play a prominent role as per every Lo collection, varying in size and intensity. From small spikes on babydoll tees for those seeking a subtle incorporation to gargantuan spikes on maxi skirts for the bold and adventurous.
Shibari, a Japanese form of rope bondage used for erotic fantasy play, meditation, and trust binding, serves as another source of inspiration in Lo’s collection. Intricate ropes gracefully adorn double-layered knit mini dresses, symbolising the internal restrictions and tensions Lo experienced during his formative years as growing up as a Chinese-American boy in the States. Chinese knots, considered a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture, make an appearance, with detached thong detailing on trousers and sleeveless spiky tops, adding an intriguing fusion of cultural elements.
Ultimately, Chet Lo’s S/S 2024 collection empowers individuals to embrace their true selves through clothing. Whether it's tailored trousers with hip slits or halter neck knit dresses adorned with monogrammed scissoring prints, each design is crafted to make everyone feel aligned, empowered, and undeniably sexy. By challenging societal norms, celebrating diversity, and weaving personal narratives into each piece, Chet Lo creates a fashion experience that transcends boundaries and invites individuals to embrace their authentic selves.
