Ahluwalia FW23

 Ahluwalia, the London-based label founded by Nigerian-Indian designer Priya Ahluwalia, has gained a reputation for blending cultural and social influences with contemporary design aesthetics. The brand, launched in 2018, is known for its bold prints, vibrant colours, and sportswear-inspired pieces. The recently unveiled Ahluwalia FW23 collection, entitled ‘Symphony’, marks a departure from the brand’s past sportswear leanings, instead embracing a more formal and sophisticated approach.

Drawing inspiration from the music she grew up listening to, including 1990s hip-hop, Bollywood soundtracks, and artists such as Sade, Fela Kuti, Luther Vandross, and Lauryn Hill, the Symphony collection is a celebration of cultural diversity and music. As a fellow Indian, I can personally connect with the collection, as many of the designs incorporate traditional Indian elements, such as the shapes of ancient Indian guitars and traditional bead embroidery techniques.

The collection’s use of colour and print is incredible, with rich tones and bold patterns dominating many of the pieces. The collection’s first venture into footwear is also worth noting, as Ahluwalia has created a range of formal footwear for everyone, from heels and boots to lace-ups and loafers.

Album covers are also a recurring theme in the Symphony collection, with designs that feature musical graphics worked into the garments themselves. This gives the collection an almost nostalgic feel as if it’s paying homage to a bygone era of music and culture. The use of music and album covers is particularly striking in the context of a fashion collection, as it shows how different forms of art can blend together to create something entirely new and exciting.

Overall, the Ahluwalia FW23 Symphony collection is a stunning celebration of cultural diversity, music, and fashion. The collection’s fusion of Indian, Nigerian and Western styles, along with its use of colour, print, and music, creates a truly unique and memorable aesthetic. As an Ahluwalia enthusiast, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for future collections.