“Power resides where men believe it resides. It’s a trick. A shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”

– Varys, Game of Thrones

Power is a constantly shifting paradigm. Throughout her project Nicola Crooks has set out to explore the evolution of power, and how different individuals define it. Crooks wanted to create a womenswear collection that would make the wearer feel powerful in their own way, inspired by history, but still feeling contemporary enough that it does not seem out of place.

She has been specifically studying the concept of power in a feminine context, considering who is currently ‘at the top of the game’. This included researching celebrities who have a ‘cult’ following such as Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan, alongside politicians like Kamala Harris and other women holding positions of power.

During the research process, Crooks aligned her project with current trends surrounding medieval fashion. She consistently studied the market and trend-building platforms, and saw that there was increasing demand for ‘weirdeval’ clothing: medieval and whimsical inspired modern garments. With a love for history already in place, she realised this would be a natural route to take.

To develop this concept into a wearable collection, Crooks investigated specific garments and ideologies that typically reflect strength and stature. This ranged from historical suits of armour, to the modern power suit. She desired for her collection to lean into a feeling of control and whimsy whilst still having a feminine flare.

This extensive research and design process has resulted in her passion for fantasy and history coming to fruition, in a more modern way that is appealing to contemporary consumers. The collection is made from a variety of innovative fabrics, including faux-leather, chainmail-knit mesh and polyviscose (A plant based fibre).