Featured Designer_ Kevin Carrington, Kevtheworld
Where are you based_ London
What is your role as a fashion designer?
Kevtheworld is an extension of myself. An approach to fashion whereby the consumer may find it difficult to contextualize each piece within their existing wardrobe, yet are also able to take comfort in the fact that they won't find anything else like it in the vastly saturated market. I hope to be able to hone this distinct authenticity, and evolve it as the brand journeys onward.
What concepts were you exploring in this collection?
The setting of the collection titled, ‘Immediate Relief Solutions,’ was a post-apocalyptic world combined with other fictional lore. I was considering what would take place in this context. In a world that has completely crumbled and burned down, I’m sure we would all expect some form of military intervention. In this scenario I think that the military personnel who remained would try to regain order, and so I saw the opportunity to blend a military look into the collection.
What role does the process of upcycling play in the fashion industry today?
People are typically elitist about the quality of materials, or the difficulty of sourcing fabrics. But I can see a future where people will become elitist about how recycled a garment is. I think that the snobbery of fashion can be used to our advantage in that way. As a result, I wanted to establish a balance of wearable yet contextually identifiable garments that can make sense being worn both in a modern day - and an apocalyptic context.
What inspired you to start upcycling discarded materials?
“Immediate Relief Solutions” was made with DIY methodologies, epitomizing the idea of being resourceful in the event of a disaster, using whatever materials one can find to cover and protect oneself with. These concepts go on to hint at various toxicities in today’s society and present a fresh perspective on “anti-luxury”—portraying how far the term luxury can be valid.
All clothing was made with unused fabrics from brands that I previously worked for and abandoned materials found on the streets. Sneakers were reconstructed from Nike and Undercover's Epic React and Daybreak models.
What does the future of Kevtheworld look like?
I set my sights on creating an immersive experience with every opportunity I have available. I would like to be able to develop and grow my concept of my brand, as well as a community driven artistic expression. I am still in the very early stages of my journey. I would like to be able to create holistic visions that are relevant and positively effective within the fashion & music communities. I believe in the saying of ‘no pain no gain’, whether on the runway or dance-floor. I believe in the correlation that while sweating or crying at a rave or a show is a demonstration of release. A necessary release of emotional disruption from the day-to-day requirement of acting robotic.
What’s up next for you personally?
As it currently stands, my capacity for exposure and finance are both lacking immensely. With the correct guidance and mentorship, I hope to be able to establish firm-footing for the foundation of my journey as a designer, and gain a vivid hands-on understanding of what is to be expected of me in a professional environment of the market. As a sufferer of various mental illnesses, I want to be able to prove to myself and the world that such supposed drawbacks can be used as an advantage. and dedicate myself to exemplifying how a great deal many others who suffer from such problems can too create a worthwhile contribution in a highly competitive industry such as Fashion.