Ancuta Sarca SS23 Collection

For the brand's inaugural standalone presentation, Ancuta Sarca returns to the London schedule. With a fresh perspective that feels more intimate, the Romanian designer, Fashion East alumni and finalist for the 2022 Andam Fashion Awards, continues juxtaposing masculine and feminine ideologies through her signature spliced footwear, body-conscious apparel and a new line of bags.

The collection draws influence from Formula 1 cars, while exploring traditional notions of summer. Using the brand's trademark upcycling techniques, the footwear combines glamour with athleticism, which also includes panel insertions from aqua shoes, hybridised thong sandals and unisex clogs.

This season, sees a creative partnership with Vans, the designer offers reconstructed loafers, made from Classic Vans checkerboard slip-ons and the Sk8-hi style, new iterations that fit in with the overall race car motif.

Inspired by her family's history, where long hair is symbolic of femininity and prosperity, the designer created bags out of repurposed wigs in the brand's distinct ombre red.

Partnering with SKIMS, the designer has produced a variety of motorbike-inspired apparels using roll ends of fabric and swimwear provided by the American retailer. In addition to being uniquely Ancuta Sarca, the pieces are designed to fit a diverse range of body types.

Taking place at the Old Selfridges Hotel venue, which happens to have been a taxi parking lot in the past, the designer has opted to create a space reminiscent of a garage with a deconstructed motorbike installation to complement the collection. In keeping with the brand's ethos, all materials used on site are recycled, ensuring minimal intervention to the environment.