I was shopping online the other day when I came across a few pieces from moderate minimalist Sykes, eponymous label from Central St. Martin’s graduate Joanna Sykes. Although it’s been established for a few seasons it’s not yet a label you can find outside of London. And while there’s been a fair amount of editorial for Sykes in the likes of Vogue and Elle (UK of course) it will be something quite fresh for our readers.
Her designs remind me a little of antipodean, and fellow London Fashion Week designer Josh Goot. It has that same concept of classic silhouettes in luxe fabrics that Josh showed in his first few seasons. An appropriation of 90s minimalism has been circling in fashion for some years but Joanna’s aesthetic seems to be more approachable and minimalism seems to be more relevant today than in its predecessing era. Sykes is part of a new wave of young designers that understand the need to be financially savvy means to be stylishly savvy. Her styles are clean, the pieces understated and with a tailored edge that hint at a bit of attitude. She is adept at mixing silks and leathers and in a style of dressing that doesn’t come with a “must-have” look. Devoid of trend and seasonal sartorial pomp Sykes instead focuses on creating a range of carefully crafted clothes that you know will eventually become your wardrobe staples. Think of it as austere investment dressing.
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