Labrum Spring 26: Cultural Osmosis

As Friday evening brought the busy bodies and tired stylists, editors, music artists and even TV personalities to Westminster City Hall, Foday Dumbuya was preparing to reawaken the weary creatives sitting before and above the orchestral stage at Labrum’s Spring 26 show “Cultural Osmosis”.

Beginning just before 10pm, the hall filled with floor to balcony seating where the audience could take in the story of ancestral West African heritage and design brought to life in a theatrical soundscape by the Balimaya Project band. As the catwalk began, Labrum introduced the show with a narration as models entered from the side stage and graciously carried sculptural works of military uniforms from the Caribbean paired with platform trainers, traditional sandals and cowrie fringe. 

Everything from accessories of shells, beads and brooches to the native braiding hair styled on female models transcended the show into a time capsule of transcultural style. Labrum magnified a contrasting dispersed identity in this collection as these references were shown in a contemporary world mixed with adidas shorts and bowling bags. Going as far as pairing adidas classic tracksuit bottoms and a varsity style coordinated jacket with stacked military hats.

Larbum brought onto stage Obongjayar as this season’s performer following last season’s musical guest, Ghetts who walked in the show over his own anthem that played as the soundtrack to the catwalk. 

The tailoring within the collection blended traditional with contemporary silhouettes, colours and styling in a way that only makes sense for a brand such as Labrum. A brand which is able to continuously push the boundaries with lifestyle collaborations whilst holding onto the foundations of its cultural identity. 

There was a sense of regal wear that was played down but very much alive among the looks. Straw hats hid the identity of the models in a royal manner, less seen- more reserved, yet it spoke louder than any other accessory. Beige trench coats, neon sheer socks and pastel coloured mesh midi dresses belted with pendant brooches all combined to create a collection of before and now. The storytelling of rich culture weaved into powerful responses to our style and fashion today.

It’s loud, it’s expressive and it cannot be seen elsewhere. The pieces demand conversation and restructure the meaning of retaining culture and community in an industry that takes from tradition and constantly reshapes it. Labrum shares the stories, appreciates the current state of fashion and ignites the celebration of identity in design. “Cultural Osmosis” was a performance of music and fashion that reminds us of the innovation possible when culture is honoured.