Dilara Findikoglu has taken to Instagram to announce the first drop of her SS20 collection, with a percentage of sales going to the Artists and Freelancers Hardship Fund in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

An initiative set up to help “artists, freelancers, and other people in precarious work situations (who) are currently facing a financial emergency”, the fund was established by Luisa Le Voguer Couyet, editor of the political and social justice zine hate zine, and Lily Cheetah who also works as an artist and writer.

For SS20, the London-based designer explored climate change, staging ‘a mass ritual intended to summon the winter back’ when it came to the season's show. Styled by Another Man fashion director Ellie Grace Cumming, the offering comprised embroidered corsets, mutton-sleeve tops, and pieces finished off with lace detailing, with veils completing some looks.  

With Findikoglu also revealing that she will be working on a series of online projects with a number of photographers, including Begum Yetis, Josh Wilks, Jordan Hemingway, and Alessandro Raimondo on a project which will shape a new language for the future of fashion, the designer explained how it important it is to support creatives during this time. “As an emerging brand, it is our duty to commit to helping other young artists and freelancers,” Findikoglu said on her eponymous label’s Instagram page. 

Findikoglu’s effort comes at a time when many young creatives are struggling to keep afloat due to the nationwide lockdown implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In the fashion world and beyond, an estimated six million people are set to lose their jobs in the UK, with almost a million people applying for universal credit across a two week period – normally that number is 100,000. Read the stories of young people who have lost their jobs due to coronavirus here.

Look back on Dilara Findikoglu’s SS20 collection above.