Chopova Lowena: A Fusion of Mini Golf and Regency England
Stepping into the Chopova Lowena presentation in London, you're instantly enveloped in a unique sensory experience. The air is filled with the distinct scent of patchouli, while vintage umbrella stands, each adorned with rubber-tipped putters, stand as silent sentinels. At the center, a geometric pile of Astro Turf serves as the stage for the fall collection, displayed on mannequins at Stockmans.
"This collection is a blend of British Regency era fashion and golf," explains Laura Lowena, who co-founded the label with her Central Saint Martins classmate, Emma Chopova, in 2017. "We're always drawn to sports and folklore."
But do these designers themselves indulge in the sport? Chopova reveals, "I'm a fan of crazy golf, the British term for mini golf, which isn't often an inspiration for fashion collections in Milan or Paris."
The Regency period is brought to life through the collection's emphasis on Empire waists, puff sleeves, and intricate embellishments. The brand's signature pleated carabiner skirt is reimagined as tiered, floor-length versions, blending various fabrics. The duo delved into fashion history, researching the era through books and extensive internet scouring. "The V&A, British Museum, and Met collections online are invaluable resources," Lowena enthuses.
They also drew from their own fabric and upholstery scraps, transforming them into sculptural corsets and zippered panniers that seamlessly blend with tartan and argyle patterns. The collection is a riot of noise, zaniness, and quirks, now enhanced by slogans from a new intimates range called Chopova Lowena Feelings. One sweatshirt reads, "Smiles, giggles, tears, and frowns, I've got a case of the ups and downs."
This fusion of mini golf and Regency England is a bold statement, inviting us to explore the intersection of sports and fashion. But here's where it gets controversial: Do you think the fusion of sports and fashion is a hit or a miss? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
