DB BERDAN X SMILEY showcased their SS20 Collection last night during London Fashion Week with The British Fashion Council at 180 The Strand. DB BERDAN are a young and sharp London based urban lux brand, launched by the matriarchal Turkish designers Beg Berdan and Deniz Berdan. DB BERDAN collections focus on genderless clothing and the eradication of heteronormativity, aiming to unite a community of like-minded individuals, that are not defined by sex, race or gender.
The name of the DB BERDAN SS20 collection, Self-Love Club, has a subtle meaning as it takes the male dominating sports clubs and turns them into a gender-inclusive activity, hence the slogan “Racing for equality”. The notion of ‘self-love’ challenges everyone to love themselves and to embrace each other’s differences in these “invisible battles”. DB BERDAN SS20 collection tributes to the super incredible LGBTQ+ people in the sports industry such as Greg Louganis, Stella Walsh and many others. Self-Love Club collection consists of silhouettes inspired by the late 80’s and early 90’s hip hop and rave cultures. Bold colours, oversized tie-dye denim hoodies and joggers that turn into shorts, cotton 80’s bat sleeved button-up shirts, basketball shorts that turn into skirts, all incorporated in a statement-making collection, made out of authentic environmentally friendly prints created by DB Berdan.
DB BERDAN showcased their SS20 collection in collaboration with Smiley. Smiley was created in 1972 by French journalist Franklin Loufrani, who launched a happiness promotion in the France Soir newspaper, using the Smiley icon to highlight good news stories. For over 45 years, The Smiley Company has shaped the way we share happiness and express ourselves through iconic products found all over the world. Smiley is an evergreen lifestyle brand that has influenced musical generations, social movements, popular culture and the pursuit of happiness. Almost five decades later, Smiley has become more than just an icon, a brand and a lifestyle: it is now a spirit and a philosophy, reminding people just how powerful a smile can be.
DB BERDAN are happy to announce that their SS20 Presentation was styled and directed by Kay Altamira, previously at LOVE Magazine, bringing the usual chaotic synergy to DB Berdan’s strong and unique queer identity for the past seasons. Inspired by DB Berdan’s fashion ethics, self-love awareness and expressionistic original prints, each look was styled as powerful individual stories. Models were sporting their personalities with customized underground footwear, fans and sports gear, enhanced with Olympic rings and pan inspired spiked up hair sculptures created by Artistic Director of Toni & Guy, Efi Davies using label.m Professional Haircare. Freehand drawn collections prints pistolet , tears of joy mixed with fresh flowers in Make-up by Mona Leanne at The Wall Group.
Bespoke headdresses by the talent of millinery designer Merve Bayindir; and custom-made latex jewellery in pansexual flag palette mixed with Turkish coins from Insatiable Lust. Pansexual marathon curves down to a surreal road by Merve Uzuner in set design.
They will also had a special performance from singer GIRLI and talent Ashnikko and Jamie Windust modelled for the presentation. DJ Krystal Lakegave the ultimate party music vibes. Drinks were provided by Jagermeister
