Erdem collaborated with UNPOLISHED Magazine to create their Pre Spring 2021 lookbook, shot by Editor and Photographer Ina Lekiewicz and styled by Fashion Editor Rachel Bakewell. Inspired by the life of Lady Hamilton and Susan Sontag’s novel The Volcano Lover the shoot fuses together the beautiful, playful and yet regal aesthetic of Erdem’s latest collection and the world of UNPOLISHED.

Pre Spring 2021 sees Erdem explore the synergy of spirit and the contrast of expression between the Regency period and 1960s – both eras of progress and enlightenment, times of experimentation and liberation.  In both instances, clothing has been noted as a powerful way of identifying and expressing oneself and their values.

Combining elements from both periods, culminates in a playful collection of great character that plays upon subtle juxtapositions, merging day with evening wear, comfort with confidence and the everyday with the unexpected. Elegant regency inspired details such as ruched waistlines, voluminous puffed sleeves and dainty scooped necklines merge with elements of the swinging sixties; short hemlines and embroidered detailing, a nod to the Beatnik spirit.  Cape adorned gowns of sequins sit alongside relaxed silky boiler suits and smartly tailored jackets, cinched at the waist follow comforting slouchy knitwear adorned with bows. Softly psychedelic etched florals mesh with delicate ditzy flower buds and toile de jouy prints, whilst contrasting pink and red, blue and yellow feature throughout. The collection is accessorised with functional bucket hats, worn alongside dainty embellished clasp purses and prim double bow belts with mismatching jewels scattered with charms.

For Erdem, 2021 is a year to once again revisit the spirit and energy witnessed in eras passed, a time for unapologetic expression of one’s character, with all its contrasting elements and embracing the resulting beauty.

Photography and videography by Ina Lekiewicz

Styling by Rachel Bakewell

Hair and Makeup by Jose Bass

Produced by RAW Production

Video edition by Michal Grzeszczakowski

Video words by Benjamin Martin Levy

Voiceover by Magdalena Barcley

Video Production: Raw Production and Moon films Warsaw