Last night Skepta welcomed a crowd of the UK’s top creatives to the second instalment of his Mains runway show at London Fashion Week.
J Hus, Dave and AJ Tracey were among a crowd of A-Listers lining the front row, with designer Clint419 and photographer Gabriel Moses seated merely a few metres away. Headie One, Chip and K-Trap were also present, the latter wearing custom Cartier frames encrusted with jewels, and a matching chain. Also spotted on the front row were Louisville hitmaker Jack Harlow and Interscope Records’ Billionaire founder Jimmy Iovine, who journeyed from America to see the collection in person with rising anticipation.
Ahead of the show, Skepta explained how his daughter had influenced the collection when she asked him to put on a show that reflected the themes of Matilda, the beloved children’s story by Roald Dahl.
In keeping with his daughter’s wishes, the collection ran with a heavily collegiate motif, reflected in the space and ambience as the spacious venue was transformed into a nostalgic high school hallway with lockers lining the end of the runway and a large Mains emblem mounted on the wall.
The first model theatrically strutted onto the runway, pausing at the set of lockers to open one and aggressively adjust her hair and makeup.
The styling was preppy and playful, pairing oversized blazers with vibrant mohair sweaters while exaggerated theatre wigs evoked the exhilarating mood of a high school drama class. Elsewhere jackets and trousers were branded with faded collegiate prints, which Skepta claimed was a nod to ‘UK rave culture’ in the 1990s. Influences in American sportswear were also prominent, with bomber jackets and varsity-style sweaters adding a global twist to Skepta’s UK-rooted designs.
Accessories took centre stage with fur-lined hats, leather gloves and vibrant school bags before a showstopping MAINS x Kickers collaboration further emphasised the scholastic influences with a colourful twist on traditional leather boots.
As if the clothes and star-studded guest list weren’t enough, Skepta previewed an unreleased collaboration with Kanye West dubbed ‘Cash Cow’ on the runway. The track is expected to be released soon and may feature on Skepta’s highly anticipated upcoming album, ‘Knife and Fork’.
Following the show, Skepta linked up backstage with Alyx Studio founder Matthew M, Williams, as well as Central Cee and J Hus, who were both in high spirits as they congratulated North London’s most iconic MC on his success.
Skepta’s multi-faceted creative reign continues, and he reaffirmed his position as one of the UK’s most successful trailblazers, building a world where his style, music, and identity boldy converge.
All eyes in the industry are now fixed on Skepta to see what he delivers next.
Greatness only.
Words and images by James Frost.
