Hermione Flynn

Women's "eveningwear" is a genre in the fashion industry which has perpetually troubled conceptual fashion designer, HERMIONE FLYNN. The lack of functionality, comfort, and in her opinion, aesthetics, has created a tradition which prioritises the viewer of the garment rather than the wearer, an issue which is typically associated with womenswear. It is this paradigm which Flynn has tackled head-on. Her strategy in addressing this issue was to approach the design process as if she were designing "C(ocktail dress) + B(all gowns for Men)"

Through this approach the importance of functionality and comfort became an overriding theme. Drawing on workmens-wear (also a common dress in the surrounding neighbourhood of FLYNN's studio), details such as pockets, snaps, keys and ropes became dominating design features in the collection. On the "ballgowns" in particular, the excessive number of pockets almost become a mockery of the concept, as the pockets are snapped and styled to create drape, folds and volume which perfectly reference a classic ballgown dress.

Another strong feature in the collection is the deconstruction of the typical trouser pattern - from a "closed" pant leg to an "opened" skirt or dress. This small detail is of particular significance for FLYNN and the overall concept - what may be perceived as a minor adaption, actually has profound social significance when associated to the controversy (in Western culture) of men wearing skirts or dresses. FLYNN specifically designed the collection to challenge this stigma, resulting in silhouettes which, from afar, look like trousers but on closer inspection, are revealed as a skirt or dress.

HERMIONE FLYNN is a brand which designs in response to a social climate, addressing or challenging issues using garment design as the platform for social communication. Through her creation of the C+B collection FLYNN is tackling issues of gender fluidity, culminating in a truly authentic interpretation of "unisex" fashion.