VO

 

After meeting in the UK and launching Creative London in 2004, design duo VIN + OMI went off to work in the US. Now, this fashion week, they’re coming back with their first London show in 10 years.

Speaking exclusively to PHOENIX, Omi talks of the pair’s absence from, and return to, the UK: “In the last few years we have concentrated mostly on the US. Most of our clients and work are within the music and film industry in LA and NYC. Returning to London is very nostalgic for us.”

A strong factor in VIN + OMI’s return is their recent signing with the Fashion Innovation Agency in London that represents some of the capital’s finest fashion talents such as Agi & Sam, Fyodor Golan, Marques’ Almeida and Jean-Pierre Braganza. “This new partnership is the icing on the cake for us in terms of a new direction,” says Omi.

Containing elements of androgyny and homoeroticism, the AW14 CONCEPTUAL collection nods to their edgy diffusion line VO. “We want this show to represent our current thinking across both labels.”

The designers also drew inspiration from Dalí’s Burning Giraffe painting and Fellini’s Roma. “Both Dalí and Fellini are masters of creating unique images,” says Omi. “Occasionally it’s good to look back to the image masters. They only have a small influence on our thinking but we always like to give a nod to genius if it has stayed in our minds.”

Dali

VIN + OMI have a strong celebrity following and have designed for a diverse array of well-known figures including Michelle Obama, Debbie Harry and Pamela Anderson. The pair are also known for their collaborations with other designers such as Fam Irvoll and Ruby Modine.

Extending beyond fashion, VIN + OMI’s work includes art, product design and creative consultancy.

VIN + OMI’s AW14 CONCEPTUAL collection will be shown on 15 February at London Fashion Week.

Words: Jonathan Socrates

 

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