First landing on the London Fashion Week Men’s schedule back in 2019 with an intimate, immersive dance performance, Saul Nash’s runway presentations and the collections he showcases within them have become one of the highlights of the biannual event – so much so, in fact, that we included him in the Dazed 100 this year.
Currently in lockdown in London, Nash has been making the most of this moment of pause, and now releases his latest creative project. Taking the form of a beautiful short film shot entirely in isolation, Shelter sees the designer and four of his friends and frequent collaborators come together to perform an original choreographed piece in their homes, twisting and winding their bodies rhythmically around the room, using all inches of the limited space they have.
“The idea came about as we all finally had a moment of pause,” Nash explains of the project. “We all went from a pace, and a life, that was all about rushing… the initial stimulus was about coming together. Between seasons we always try to catch up collectively but often the busy pace prevents us from getting round to it.”
A continuation of Nash’s AW20 show of the same name, which he presented as part of Fashion East, the concept centres around the collective uplifting of the individual: “It’s about instilling enough confidence in them to hold their head high,” he says. “In this context, ‘shelter’ is about joining together at a time where we are made to take shelter and isolate in our homes.”
With LFWM’s upcoming SS21 season cancelled in favour of a digital, gender-neutral event, Nash explains that, like many of us, he’s also taken a step back to assess what happens next both personally and when it comes to his fledgling label. “It’s been so nice to catch up with friends, dance, sew, take classes, work towards production on SS21. I’m generally someone who can’t sit still for too long,” he adds. “I’m feeling resilient. It’s a difficult time, but I’m feeling optimistic and full of energy – but I honestly can’t wait to see my friends and family in real life again.”
Watch the full film below and revisit Saul Nash’s SS20 collection in the gallery above.