Photography Philip TrengoveFashionFeatureChristopher Raeburn deconstructs the codes of MCMIn celebration of MCM’s 40th anniversary, Raeburn reworked the brand’s famous backpacks into new pieces, complete with an innovative 360-degree installationShareLink copied ✔️June 13, 2016FashionFeatureTextJake HallPhotographyPhilip TrengoveIn Partnership with MCMMCM X Christopher Raeburn SS17 Menswear27 Imagesview more + Modernity, sustainability and deconstruction; these are the roots of Christopher Raeburn’s MCM capsule collection, debuted in an installation which took place on Saturday in Holborn’s historic Grand Connaught Rooms. The paradox is that MCM is a company with a long history – founded in Munich in 1976, this year it’s celebrating its 40th anniversary. So, when tasked with creating new ideas that stayed true to this heritage, Raeburn did what he does best. He deconstructed. The designer literally dismantled MCM’s famous logo backpacks, working them into a slick biker jacket that still retained the bags’ original zips and fastenings. This piece then acted as a catalyst for the collection’s remaining pieces; “it’s a step-by-step process of one thing going into the other,” he shared backstage. “There’s really a story behind everything – I think that’s super important.” Other nods to the brand’s heritage were less literal; the dominant colour palette of grey, blue and yellow was a subtle tribute to the colours of the Bavarian flag, whereas a series of t-shirts and sweatshirts were adorned with an abstract ‘MCM’ print which mimicked the motion of wind. Incidentally, motion was another key theme that ran throughout the collection. Both Raeburn and MCM were united in their desire to create clothing and accessories which would appeal to the 21st-century adventurer – they did so by revamping the company’s famous travel accessories, presenting a new customisable 3-in-1 bag designed to tackle even the most dire of travel emergencies. “It’s not about standing on a soapbox and telling people to think and buy sustainably, it’s about providing people with a product where you’ve already done the thinking and you’ve already had that considered approach to it” – Christopher Raeburn Raeburn also riffed on the power of nature, incorporating elements such as wind and water into an immersive installation created in collaboration with Universal Everything. Models interacted with the presentation, marching in a uniform fashion to the centre of a transparent 360-degree screen; digital images were superimposed over it, creating the impression that the models really were battling the elements. The designer stayed true to his reputation as a forward-thinking designer with regards to sustainability. One fabric used throughout the production of the collection was made from recycled bottles; another scratch-resistant, dirt-repellent four-way stretch material was used to create a resilient bomber jacket that neither damages the environment nor exploits foreign labour. Raeburn feels passionately about sustainability, arguing backstage that designers have a real obligation as a design community to provide people with better choices. As he put it – “It’s not about standing on a soapbox and telling people to think and buy sustainably, it’s about providing people with a product where you’ve already done the thinking and you’ve already had that considered approach to it.” That was certainly the case here. Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.READ MOREA cult Chicago painter inspired Kiko Kostadinov’s latest showZimmermannKindred spirits and psychedelic florals: Zimmermann heads to 70s Sydney ‘We must find joy’: Pamela Anderson on her starring role at Valentino SS26Ottolinger SS26 is coming for your girlfriends Casablanca SS26 prayed at the altar of HouseMatthieu Blazy blasts into orbit at his first-ever Chanel showCeline SS26 wants you to wear protection Anatomy of a fashion show: Sandra Hüller opened Miu Miu SS26Jean Paul Gaultier SS26: Inside Duran Lantink’s disruptive debutComme des Garçons SS26 was a revolt against ‘perfect’ fashionIn pictures: Chaos reigned at Vivienne Westwood’s Versailles boudoirHide the spoons! Junya Watanabe is rifling through your cutlery drawer