Yaku SS25

Yaku Stapleton’s presentation at London Fashion Week was an absolute dream! Imagine stepping into a fantastical world that feels like a blend of a natural history museum and a vibrant fashion exhibit. That’s exactly what Yaku delivered with his SS25 collection, "The ImPossible Family Reunion in RPG Space”. This show was all about storytelling, and each vignette was like walking into a different scene from a magical storybook. Yaku’s collection is rooted in Afrofuturism, which means he’s mixing sci-fi vibes with rich cultural narratives. This season, he took us on a journey through his family’s history, reimagining them as characters in a video game-like universe. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about hope, belonging, and confronting the past while dreaming of brighter futures. The depth of this collection is really something special—it's not all sunshine and rainbows; it digs into the darker bits of history that shape our need for hope.

Forget traditional runway shows, Yaku transformed 180 Strand into an interactive wonderland with four unique settings. The Library, Reflection, Combat, and The Forest. Actors brought the fantasy to life, fishing, painting, and battling in these beautifully crafted environments. You could feel the energy and excitement as models moved through these scenes, showcasing the clothes in action. It was like stepping into a live video game where you could actually see the fabric flow and how each piece interacted with movement.

Sustainability is at the heart of Yaku's designs. He primarily used deadstock fabrics, which he manipulated and dyed in-house. This season also marked the debut of womenswear, adding more freedom and fluidity to the collection. The pieces felt fresh yet familiar, blending exaggerated silhouettes with playful details that made you smile.

Every inch of the presentation was thoughtfully designed, from the floor to the ceiling. Textiles created by Yaku’s team adorned the space, featuring everything from mythical creature hides to whimsical props made from studio waste. It was all about bringing his imaginative world to life while keeping sustainability front and center. What really struck me was how personal this collection felt. Yaku isn’t just designing clothes; he’s sharing his family’s stories and experiences through fashion. Each character represented real people from his life, making it relatable and heartfelt. It’s clear that this collection is a labor of love, crafted with care by Yaku and his talented team.

Yaku Stapleton's SS25 presentation was more than just a show, it was an experience that blended fantasy with reality, inviting us all to explore deeper themes of identity and history through the lens of fashion. If this is just the beginning for Yaku, I can’t wait to see where he takes us next!