LFW AW24: Dreaming Eli

Drawing from her Sicilian heritage, Trombatore's design ethos is a response to her encounters with a historically 'submissive' portrayal of femininity, which she endeavours to challenge through her fashion endeavors. Inspired by the works of Victorian poet Christina Rossetti, Trombatore's latest collection revisits these foundational themes within her practice, refining her approach to traditional garments and materials to convey a fresh narrative.

The reinterpretation is defined by Trombatore's treatment of the corset, historically emblematic of women conforming to societal ideals of beauty and femininity. In her collection, the corset is subverted to create various looks, with lace placement notably reversed to face the viewer, symbolizing a departure from past norms. The collection's title, "The Dead Woman Talks Back," aptly encapsulates this concept, granting voice to historical fashion through a contemporary lens.

Dreaming Eli's signature elements prominent in the collection, a combination of taut lace, flowing silk, and exposed skin remain exude ecadence while highlighting the separation between garments and the bodies they adorn. This deliberate juxtaposition underscores Trombatore's intention to use fashion as a medium for self-expression and agency, rather than conforming to traditional roles associated with clothing.

The collection introduces streetwear influences, such as cropped trousers and unconventional t-shirt designs. These innovations signal a shift towards broader audience appeal and hint at potential future directions for the brand, showcasing Trombatore's commitment to merging traditional clothing with contemporary sensibilities.