Chopova Lowena just made a surprise appearance at LFW via parachute. Sitting out this season as they typically do during the February womenswear shows, today (February 21) the design duo dropped their AW25 collection with a lookbook photographed by Jackson Bowley and inspired by the female masters of the air.
The 40-look collection is, as it often is, built on a foundation of eclectic, colourful references ranging from the late 80s acid house movement to cartoons and pin-ups. That said, the main theme of the collection is aviation – the female pilots and parachutists of the early 20th century who flew through our skies as fearlessly as they did glamorously.
Namely, Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons looked to Tiny Broadwick (born Georgia, but nicknamed for her four foot eight-inch height) for inspiration. In 1913, Broadwick became the first woman to jump out of a plane and went on to demonstrate parachutes to the US Army. She was even titled ‘the doll girl’ for her small stature, which will no doubt have piqued the interest of Chopova Lowena, who have included dolls in previous collections.
As for the clothes, immediately recognisable Chopova Lowena motifs are present: bubble skirts, metal butterflies, carabiner clips, clashing colours and puffball sleeves. Though this season the sizing ranges from adult to baby to… dog. Yes, that’s right: Chopova Lowena’s AW25 collection caters to our canine friends too, featuring vibrant fleeces modelled adorably by a pug.
The butterflies act as a symbol of aviation, whilst the slogan ‘Don’t talk to me, I’m flying right now’ appears throughout on mesh tees and badges. The bloomers worn by Tiny Broadwick as she soared toward the ground are referenced in the bulbous shapes of the collection, meanwhile the shoes and bags make for “suitable accessorising for cockpits or clubs,” according to the release.
Chopova Lowena has delivered a wardrobe we never knew we needed, one suitable for skydiving. Careful though, if you should choose to jump out of a plane, we’re still waiting on the Chopova Lowena parachute.
Scroll through the gallery above for Chopova Lowena’s entire AW25 collection.