Luxemme Review

A Vampiress 

‘Black bats trapped in the lure of midnight, like a dancer suspended in flight, Featherless chickens in the discomfiture of barbarity, like a butcher poised in motion, Empty silence on the cusp of conversation, like the scythe of death ploughing corpses,Crop circles in the bitterness of life, like the hundred year war struck again, Shredded leaves drifting in the gentle waters, like the cleanse of a pagan ritual’

Combining the eloquence of Parisian chic with the directional intelligence of Manchester street style Luxemme pioneers affordable yet elegant pieces for any occasion. Luxemmes ethos is simple; drawing on the cosmopolitan vibe and rejecting the fashion norm is an essential part of creating a fashion collective. Honouring the Parisian ideology of ‘simple yet translatable’ fashion Luxemme uses high-quality fabrics at mid-range prices to create a capsule wardrobe that can translate spheres of time. Luxemme also respects individuality and it is their love of challenging the social norm that makes Luxemme stand out from the crowd. With roots in Parisian culture married into the kookiness of Manchester street style, Luxemme is unafraid to reject fashion taboos.

Despite being a start-up Luxemme central aim is to provide clothing for those in need rather than attain financial profit. Last year Luxemme worked with various charities and sent them all free clothing to give to the homeless and/or orphaned. With a dedication to improving quality of life, Luxemme provides a beacon of light in destiution, an ethos that appeals to my role as a social justice advocate. Ignoring the financial implications of giving away clothing ‘without profit’ is admirable but also a smart business move. By rejecting the traditional mainstream approach to marketing fashion Luxemme uses charity to draw in consumers, thus creating profit.

Social ethos aside Luxemme is a business venture that targets digital media influencers and bloggers who share a like-minded vision of the fashion industry. When Luxemme approached me to review their capsule collection the answer was a no-brainer yes. A firm high-street obsessive, Luxemme was affordable, fashion conscious and aesthetically pleasing all components that drew me to the magnetism of the brand. Unlike most fashion bloggers I reject labels and respect institutions that share the same outlook as I do.

My Review

Drawing upon ‘Luxe Victoriana’ the chiffon cut-away playsuit with mesh sleeves is reminiscient of the tortured brilliance of Alexander McQueen’s and Givenchy’s fall runway. Sarah Burton developed the purest distillation of what she called “the spirit of the rose,” a flower that begins with a tight bud that opens into a lush bloom and then eventually collapses back onto itself in gorgeous decay. Like the ‘decaying’ rose the LBP-Little Black Playsuit- is sensual, dark and capable of unequivocable passion.

With a vampiric undertone that interplays with the metaphor of the tortured rose, Luxemme has designed a playsuit ahead of its time.

The metaphorical representation of the tortured rose symbolizes the regeneration and renewal of fashion. Like a pricked thumb caught in a thorn the playsuit is open to interpretation: both melancholic and hopeful the cutaways and culotte-style shorts adds a gender neutral vibe to a decidedly feminine aesthetic. Daring to brave the flesh is hardly a new phenomenon but it is a tactic used so cleverly by the Luxemme tailors. The asymmetrical diamond cut-outs create a peekaboo effect that is both sweet and sensual.

Drawing on fashions love of polar opposites, the sugary tones of the pastel blue coat versus black chiffon adds a needed touch of elegance to the Vampiric Goth look. Married into the pastel versus black theme are the essential matching bag and shoes whose finesse and charm is suited to all tastes. The pastel colour block bag buys into last years pastel obession which continues to make waves this season whilst the black caged patent thigh heels is seductively OTT.

 

The ‘seductive vixen’ has always been a popular archetype of feminine fashion but I choose to re-brand it as ‘power’ instead of sensuality. Luxemme fashioned the playsuit with the intention of making its wearer powerful and I can feel the course of its authority running through my veins. With its broad, silhouette, sheer finish and mesh detailing it is clear that this playsuit means business. Luxemme has shown that a directional ethos and ability to translate catwalk trends for the masses is what will propell its brand to the highest heights.

Would you buy clothes from Luxemme?

Photography: Jumanna Khanom

Location: Shoreditch

Coat: Rock and Roll Maven

Heels: Public Desire

Playsuit: Luxemme

Bag: Missguided