Sunday 17 September 2023, London – Welcome home. It’s been here all along. T LABEL, a romantic wear brand, wants you to feel loved in your own skin, in your own shell. In the modern storms of nature, humans are prone to alienation. From the spaces we inhabit, tangible and digital dimensions to the flesh, no matter where we are, it sometimes feels strange. In their SS24 collection, ‘A Shell for a Human’, T LABEL examines relationships with what hosts our spirit, whether it’s a body or a house. What originally revokes the warmth of a primordial womb can easily be reinterpreted as the opposite under traumatic circumstances. T LABEL looks at our connection to the physical with empathy and affection, teaching us how to shelter ourselves once again.
The SS24 collection explores the idea of a shell through forms and materials: beads sculpted around the head and arms act as upper body protection in the form of a turtleneck, the brand’s cult gloves wrap hands with sheer organza, words ‘Fashion Week Gives Me Anxiety’ spread across the statement skirt.
“The show explores the human body as a shell and what my shell means to me. After having my first anxiety attack last October before our Paris show, I found the sensitivity of our bodies and how precious they are fascinating. I wanted to use the opportunity of showing this collection to be more honest about what it means to be a self-funded designer in this industry and the financial pressures of taking part in fashion week with small amounts of resources.” Taylor-Bea Gordon, Founder and Creative Director
The variety of dresses, tops and bottoms reflects the diverse possibilities of what our ‘outer layers’ can be like, which are inspired by natural shapes and interior design. Vase holder bags bloom with flowers, celebrating the inside-out growth, the result of cultivating the shells. Deadstock and upcycled materials, passed from one artist to another in the name of creation, emphasise the concept of a shared, mobile home for humanity. T LABEL’s safe haven introduces a transcendently organic colour palette: brown, black, beige, green, pearl and crystal clear. Crawling back into ourselves, we invite the earth to join us.
THE SUSTAINABLE PROCESS
T LABEL commits to resourcefulness and sustainability. All pieces are made-to-order and handcrafted in a Worcester-based atelier from deadstock fabrics and upcycled textiles. The brand is dedicated to introducing eco-solutions on every level: from conscious production and eco-postage in recycled packaging to offsetting carbon emissions of their deliveries.
T LABEL produces collections with a fabric-first approach, using deadstock, end-of-roll or ex-designer fabrics. Other textiles they work with are organic cotton or pure silks, produced in Italy and sourced in limited amounts from London. T LABEL is proud of the upcycling techniques incorporating pre-loved beads, zips and buttons.