LFW: Vintage treasures take the spotlight in Harris Reed’s new collection

Known for his high glamour taste, Harris Reed has long been captivated by the idea of breathing new life into forgotten materials. In his September 2024 collection presented during London Fashion Week, Reed continues this tradition by repurposing vintage textiles and antique fabrics, reinforcing his distinctive demi-couture aesthetic. 

After using silk wallpaper panels in previous collections, Reed continues to draw inspiration from home interiors, incorporating items such as lace tablecloths, damask drapes, bedspreads, and antique curtains into his designs.

Highlights from the collection include vintage Point de Venise lace tablecloths and shawls, which are meticulously pieced together to form a curved sleeve jacket and bias-cut skirt. A striking 19th-century french lace curtain adds elegance to a crinoline-caged dress. 

Meanwhile, a corseted jacket, paired with scoop-waist trousers, features a rich french silk damask curtain from the early 1900s, adorned with golden cherubs. The designer also brings back pale blue silk moiré interior panels from the 19th century, crafting them into a wide-sleeved jacket with a corseted back.

Silhouettes in this collection are bold and architectural, showcasing exaggerated hips, cinched waists, oversized lapels, and sculptural collars. These strong shapes are offset by flowing skirts and delicate fabrics, offering a contrast between structure and fluidity. 

Reed’s signature crinolines and corsets take center stage, with craftsmanship often hidden beneath garments now fully displayed. A sheer dress with hand-appliquéd flowers reveals the crinoline beneath, while a winged corset showcases its intricate boning and structure, celebrating the beauty of design elements usually unseen in traditional fashion.