Reuben Selby's A/W 22 Collection - "The Will To Form"

In my eyes, art is a form of expression, innovation and creativity which can carefully lead you into many different directions and avenues. In this case, Reuben Selby's A/W22 Collection has been the perfect example as he illustrates a far-reaching impeccable rendition for London Fashion Week this season at The Copeland Gallery titled The Will To Form.

As the British innovator gazes into his book of talents, he reaches his audience through an exhibition of artistic real-life studio concepts. Supporting a selection of eight proficient artists joined in Selby's 5-day exploratory display of creativity unveiled from the premise of The Copeland Gallery in London.

He approached things differently by taking a non-traditional perspective and presented at London Fashion Week curating a trailblazing performance in a collaborative area compact in a division of four rooms.

There is more to learn about each artist as we comprehend who they are as artists, their achievements behind their work and their thoughts surrounding expressionism and what it means to them. To name a few, you have artists such as Rina Lipa, Sainte (Artist), Willow Kayne (Artist) Dubious Feux (Artist & Performer), Mudi Sama (Artist & Model) name a few. A selection of artistic collaborators, friends and fascinating characters, carefully put together on the catwalk to present a curated piece of work, exhibiting a combination between art and fashion.

Within this collection, Selby exhibits seventeen astounding looks catered in menswear and womenswear arranged down the catwalk in various neutral hues of beige, ecru and off-white, constructed in natural fabrics including linens and organic cotton filtered through Selby’s collection. Representing the wearable materials worn and the types of canvas used to paint, he shows us examples of textured materials in darker shades that indicates a dustier surrounding, displaying visuals of the kind of conditions the artists used to work.

Highlighting unravelled edges of materials, despairing seams and uneven shapes, Selby makes a point of utilitarian-style aesthetic in this collection as he understands the impact clothes had on each artist is crucial. Each piece is functional and practical such as the hang down pockets and utility-style aprons highlighted in the collection.

Sustainability plays a vital role in this collection as cut-out recycle details and features are well-thought-out and executed. Utilised cut-out feature techniques derived from French artist Henri Matisse cleverly labelled as drawing with scissors could mean how a designer or tailor visualises their artistry in front of their eyes.

Unlike Reuben Selby’s list of expressionist artists that have touched his work in many ways than one, for this collection, we give recognition to an art expressionist group titled Die Brücke. A zestfulness for printmaking and a thriving influence of buzzworthy graphic prints flowed throughout the collection, especially the woodcut design prints. Adding in his interpretation, Selby decided to create his depiction of woodcut print design displayed on a handful of selected statement outfits revealed in his display showcase.

Reuben Selby embodies the concept of expressionism as a response opposed to materialism and mechanisation. A showcase connected to eight each innovative artists among THE WILL TO FORM notion, a chance to inspire them to announce their thoughts and talents into present-day.

Exploring different appearances of expressionism is the ultimate driving force for Reuben Selby's creativity and triumph. From the beginning, he has always believed expressionism was a part of the brand core, something he has continuously tapped into his work and still to this today this day leading up to his latest A/W22 collection.

To see more of Reuben Selby's A/W22 collection, check out the link here.

Words by Charlene Foreman.