HOW HAS THE CLUB SCENE INFLUENCED CHARLES JEFFREY AND HIS DESIGNS?

Charles Jeffrey moved to London at the age of 18 and began studying Fashion Design at Central Saint Martin’s where he progressed his learning into a master’s degree. To source the costs of his diploma, Jeffrey conducted a weekly club night, LOVERBOY, which I have expanded on within my previous research pages. His inspiration for this came from the 80’s, especially- The New Romantics.

Linking back to his AW20 collection, I can perceive numerous 80’s references in garment form, makeup, and hair styling. Models strutted down the runway in oversized silhouettes and frilly shirts, showcasing a theatrical and flamboyant appeal, whilst makeup was stripped back for most but included either bold lips or striking blown out eyeshadow.

I appreciate how you can discern a maturity in Charles Jeffrey’s designs compared to his early collections, yet their still remains a youthfulness and challenging concept through the splashes of colour and unfinished cuttings. I also adore how looks are identifiable with the subcultures like New Romantics, Punks and Teddy Boys, but have a ‘LOVERBOY-esque’ feature through abrasive colour blocking, pattern and illustration which familiarises onlookers instantly with his brand.

From acknowledging myself with Vivienne Westwood and her nonconformist approaches to fashion, I can also delineate inspiration from her within this collection through multiple layers of tartan and a voluminous skirt which looks like a contemporary version of the famous mini-crini. The club scene was a place for individuals to let loose, dance and express themselves; to be wholly who, how and what they wanted to be, and this has been highly influenced into Jeffrey’s brand where identity is pivotal. His collections continue to show essences of his primary club kid inspirations but are now intertwined with more historical references and a wider focus on storytelling.