With everything happening the world right now, it's important we use every platform and opportunity to come together and collectively stand for something… so what are we fighting for?
What are we fighting for? Is a collection that expands on combining Asker’s Yemeni heritage with her British Northern upbringing. Showcasing the intergenerational perspectives on fashion and role of femininity in the resistance, the collection features a range of tracksuits stitched with traditional woven fabrics alongside skirts and coats inspired by the Arab world.
As a continuation from her film ‘Fight for me, Sheffield’, Asker’s LFW presentation reimagined her grandma’s traditional Yemeni living room. With the intention to invite guests into her home and experience the nostalgia of her own upbringing in Sheffield, guests were transported into a room covered in Persian rugs, floor cushions and seating, the aroma of incense and served traditional Yemeni tea and biscuits - bringing home to LFW.
Alongside fashion, imagery and literature played a huge role in storytelling during the event - from visual storyboards including images of Sheffield shot by Simon Wheatley to books on the Arab world provided by youth-led bookstore Maqam Books, to live henna art performances by henna powerhouse HuqThat - highlighting that the role of creativity and education will be prominent in the fight for liberation.
...then I plan to share mine.
'If you were in town for London Fashion Week, and wandered down to the Old Selfridges Hotel, you would’ve found yourself in this exact room. No, the scene described was not the living space of Asker’s grandmother, but the young designer’s faithful recreation of it, and the presentation for her AW24 collection What are we fighting for? Her friends and relatives did fill the room, but so did fashion industry professionals, there to witness Asker’s hybrid take on very British sportswear and traditional Yemeni dress. It’s a style that’s earnt her acclaim across the industry, ever since she was the first Central Saint Martins grad to put a hijab on the runway at the university’s 2022 MA Fashion show.' - Elliot Hoste, Dazed
LOOKBOOK
CREDITS
Maqam Books - an independent youth-led book store and community space that protects Arab literature. Thank you for providing amazing books on the beauty of the Arab world, culture and traditions. On theme with ‘ What are we fighting for?’, the books provide images and stories of communities across the Arab world that often go untold.
HuqThat - an amazing group of talented young women who have created the infamous henna powerhouse. Thank you for providing the most beautiful henna art live on stage to the models as well as the guests - inspired by the patterns of traditional fabrics and keffiyeh scarfs within the collection. Everyone was able to leave representing a design with a message.
24 Karak - an independent business with the mission is to revive the culture of brewing tea. Thank you for providing traditional Adeni shahi (Yemeni tea) for the guests to enjoy and experience the traditions of Yemeni culture.
Natalie Roar and team - stylist and consultant. Thank you for being so selfless with your time and helping me build the theme of community and storytelling through fashion and accessories. From up-cycled house slippers, to traditional tribal jewellery and the draping of scarfs.
Chinazo Ufodiama - for being a boss, supporting the brand’s identity through every single step and just for believing in me.
Maryam, Jihan and Umber - the best interns and support system.
Models - Jamal, Iylana, Sami, Abrar, Lieba, Umber and Yasmine
FACES
