Why Phoebe English’s wrap strap top should be worn as a symbol of fearlessness in the face of division
Wrap strap top, Phoebe English
Soft viscose jersey
Politics and fashion are, in their own nuanced way, inextricably linked. As Vanessa Friedman wrote for the New York Times in 2016: “In a world of white noise and factional cacophony, a world where the first line of communication is visual, clothes are our shared language.” For her S/S17 presentation, Phoebe English channelled this sentiment, through dreaming up a troupe of characters representative of the nation’s emotional responses during the week following the Brexit vote last summer. Each model – there were seven, one for each day – stood clad in allegorical designs speaking of personal reactions in the face of political upheaval.
“The wrap strap top belonged to a character called Archer who was an allegory for the feeling of ‘shock’ that swept the country as the announcement was made,” says English. “She was also supposed to be reflective of strength and fearlessness in the face of division.” Ahead of the UK election this June, we suggest you invest in this top to wear as your own symbol of resistance. And as an added bonus, you’ll certainly turn heads in the polling booth.
