Influenced by 90s Brit-pop culture, Represent launch their second womenswear collection for pring/Summer ’19. Reflecting on their Manchester upbringing, brothers George and Mike Heaton explore this seminal decade in music and how it came to define the style of a generation.
Reminiscent of iconic 90s rock bands on tour, the new collection explores different forms of the counter-culture movement as bucket hats, cross-body bags and full tracksuits in rich tones encapsulate a carefree and creative era.
Close-fitting boiler suits, cropped oversized hoodies and spliced cagoules show the brother’s interest in fusing contemporary design with streetwear classics, staying true to the Represent aesthetic from previous collections. Paying homage to Represent’s British heritage, traditional patterns, abstract prints and oversized vintage sportswear silhouettes lay the foundations of the new collection. Garments are given a contemporary update through a mix of tie-dying techniques, bleaching and vibrant splashes of neon and fluorescence. Slim trousers and denim in traditional checks and acid washes are nostalgic of the punk era that helped shape the 90s, while utility crop tops and shorter length shorts recall the youthful exuberance of the serial festivalgoer.
Tailoring is given an unstructured and functional update to align with the overarching sportswear theme of the collection. Added elasticated drawstrings, cross body belts and backless cropped halter neck tops offer a contemporary spin on the classic suit and resembles the casual tracksuits seen throughout the collection.