Christopher Raeburn is the latest designer to craft clothing from an inflatable boat. Rugged yellow parkas, bombers and backpacks bearing the original arrows and makings of a life raft opened his show, which pitched between outdoorsy classics and quirky novelties. The former included hooded macs and quilted toggled coats: the latter intarsia sweaters with shark motifs and zippered sailing bags in the shape of a Great White.
Raeburn seemed keen to impose a menacing narrative about survival and self-protection with his booming soundtrack of crashing waves and dubstep throb. He recently purchased a 25-man life raft online that came with enough rations to survive up to a month in open sea.
Yet the collection was approachable and easy to like, with cool tapered pants in raw denim setting off jean jackets and hoodies. Inflatable rubber puffer jackets and vests — way cooler than any life preserver, and with PVC valves jutting out at the shoulders — were greeted with smiles.