Sinead Gorey | SS25 – noctismag.com

Sinead Gorey hosted her highlight anticipated SS25’ runway show the City of London School. A massive fluttering bow was situated above the entryway, compelling attendees toward it. Thus signalling the runway’s theme, inspired by the great British Prom. I knew that there must be a twist in store, considering Gorey’s fondness for punk details and party-girl rebelliousness.

Guests began settling into the queue as pink and silver helium balloons floated in the hallway. Fuschia accent lighting coloured the basketball court, which was ambient with machine smoke. The atmosphere of the space was somewhat otherworldly and sickly pink. It was as if someone had eaten too much candy floss out of spite, and gotten sick (in a good way). It perfectly lended itself to the energy of the defiant “main character” that was imbued throughout the collection.

A rebellious party-girl strutted across the wood panelling of a would-be chaperoned dance floor, proving to us all that the 90s and 00s are far from dead. Rather, they slink forward in their own ever changing ways alongside a chronically online main character. Someone “too different” and yet ultimately “too cool” for Prom and all of its noxious entanglements. One who donned bespoke spiked leather phone case belts. Inclusive of one of Gorey’s collaborations for the show, Human Mobile Devices.

Garments were playful, varied and featured the reveal of a few pieces to be included in her upcoming swimwear collection. Faux furs lose their heavier elements in time for the summer heat. Sleeveless jackets compliment thick striped ruched tops, cowl necklines, three-quarter leggings. High-low cuts are incorporated via skirts and dresses, billowing materials draped underneath mesh sweetheart cuts. All the while, nods to the newly repopularized “corset piercing” are peppered throughout over mesh catsuits. Colourful accessories like chunky blue and pink necklaces nod further to the 90s/00s inspiration. A personal favourite accessory in the collection was an exaggerated floor length hairbow that trailed behind models, mimicking that of a veil.

Models were styled with occasional glow-in-the-dark star stickers. Reminiscent of those which used to light up our childhood ceilings. Hairstyles included a reimagining of heat tool crimping. Faux hair was added in the shape of large bows whilst straightened hair buffered up against tight curls. Plaid, corsets, denim, and chrome accents were all part of the equation. Makeup was polished yet flirty and varied between looks. Some were more fresh-faced, whilst others donned multicoloured sprinkles as lipstick, bleached eyebrows appeared alongside heavy black eyeliner.

Miss party-girl is online and she’s not ashamed of it. Models strutted around, cellphones tightly gripped, headphones in – ready to snap a pic, ignore a loathsome ex, or get the latest goss about how booooring the dance was. It was clear she’s ready to call her friends to see where everyone ends up after a night of slow dancing. An event that she’s far too high-energy to attend.

Gorey also collaborated with Converse for this collection. The brand newly relaunched knee-high XXHi Chuck Taylor All-Stars and the Chuck 70 Wedge, featuring a 2.5 inch hidden heel. The footwear proved to be the perfect finishing touch to a nostalgic and a little bit naughty 90s/00s inspired collection. Sinead made the shoes her own by incorporating custom embellishments, those of which included fluoro belly button piercings, pressed through the canvas, which included other decorative mini-accents.

Pink streamers, balloons, and confetti ornamented our surroundings as guests greeted one another in an otherwise ordinary space, turned kitschy, unique and memorable. Sinead Gorey SS25’ flashed on the scoreboard above as we waited for the models to tell us, in no words at all, that they were too cool for any of us. Attention to detail was not lost on this collection, as I fear it has yet to be with any of Gorey’s works. The narrative informs the detail, which then informs the works themselves and we couldn’t get enough.