Anciela is proud to present its new collection, ‘Echoes of Earth’, curated in collaboration with the non-profit FLAWA as part of the Southbank Centre’s You Belong Here summer programme.
This immersive fashion presentation reimagines the role of fashion in an era of environmental challenges. Responding to Tavares Strachan’s work You Belong Here, Anciela invites the audience to collectively reflect on this statement, and envision a sustainable and just future.
The setting is accompanied by music curated by composer and producer Eliana Echeverry, featuring emerging Colombian artists.
Four looks represent a letter, and when worn, they form a deconstructed ‘poncho’ inspired by a pre-Columbian tunic from South America still worn today. When the ponchos are laid flat, the letters displayed on the floor reveal the word ‘HOPE’. But what do we hope for? Anciela aims to connect and share our concerns and ideas so we can dream together.
These pieces were made using no-waste pattern techniques, utilising the full width of the fabric, and gathering draping methods with vintage deadstock fabric donated by artist Allegra Hicks, along with reclaimed wool and foam padding.
Silky nightgowns and pyjama-inspired sets complete the dreamy look, made with natural Tencel corduroy and satin provided by textile start-up Esce-tex. Wooden beads and natural corozo buttons are used as trims. Upcycled accessories, including shoes, a pillow hat and small recycled bags, feature experimental jacquards woven with raffia and recycled British yarns from Iinouiio in an ongoing collaboration with BFTT textile designer Alice Timmis.
There is also an augmented reality interactive try-on station, showcasing some of the Anciela x Seamm capsule collection of ‘phygital’ garments. This promotes a different way of customising and buying fashion while reducing overproduction and overconsumption.
Anciela is a London-based sustainable luxury womenswear label that celebrates South American folklore and experimental tailoring through the lens of migration and childhood memories. Inspired by art, literature, and historical costumes, the brand offers reworked tailoring and eccentric ready-to-wear pieces interwoven with a hint of the magical. Anciela designs with circularity from the beginning of the process, applying recycling, upcycling and regenerative techniques to deliver beautifully hand-crafted designs that are friendly to our planet.
Through education and innovative technologies like AR, workshops and panel talks, Anciela empowers consumers and makers to embrace conscious consumption practices. The brand actively supports diverse Latinx creatives, using fashion as a platform to showcase Latin/British culture and working closely with charities and non-profits from the diaspora. The brand has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel, Metal, and Forbes among other independent publications. Recently, Anciela participated as a panellist in Billie Eilish’s Overheated event.
