Nom!nal x Backroad Gee Launch Party | London Fashion Week AW25
Words by Alanna Juliette, Photographs by Joseph Lockley
To mark the launch of its collaboration with artist, BackRoad Gee, Nom!nal brought a party to Central London. Taking place in Inca, a stylish basement bar on Argyll street, the night began with a DJ set, and performances from RnB artists Txrner and Kxby.
Txrner then stepped away from the decks to host a conversation with Nominal London’s CEO Krisztina Kalman, and Creative Director Sean Solomon, regarding their collaboration with BackRoad Gee.
Txrner, Kris Kalman and Sean Solomon during the Q&A
Txrner: How did this collaboration come about between you and BackRoad Gee?
Kalman: You can just see us (looking at Solomon); we are so different - I mean we couldn't be more different, you know a middle-aged white woman from Eastern Europe and a young black man from South Africa - and this is what makes Nominal. We are about bringing together the variety, the different facets of the world. And of course, because we are a London-based brand, we are looking into and tapping into the subcultures in London. UK rap is the main subculture in London…We always wanted to do a rap collaboration…this is an exciting journey and we’re looking forward to bringing it to more success. Nominal is always about bringing together different aspects of London, the different subcultures, the different immigration backgrounds of people.
Txrner: What does the future of fashion and music look like to you?
Solomon: The future of fashion and music is, in my eyes, one. I believe fashion and music are basically one industry. One feeds into the other; you would never have a video shoot without a fashion designer, or a really cool costume design or something of the sort. Making the person look fly as hell on stage whatever else it may be. It's the same way with award shows, with concerts, and all the in-between. Fashion plays a big part in it. As I always say fashion is the easiest way to express yourself. So the musicians, who are out there doing what they do with the gifts that they’re given, how they look should also reflect that.
Kalman: Just to add, music is one form of art we are working with. We are also working with visual art, and the next art collaboration will be with a sculpture artist. So we will be bringing out sculptural garments, sculptural looks. This excites me very much.
Solomon: Don’t say too much.
Kalman: Art is very abstract, but I think art and normal life should be much more connected, and this is what we stand for. So music art, visual art, dance will also come at some point.
Solomon: Watch this space.
BackRoad Gee (right) and Sean Solomon (left) before the Q&A
The night continued with an energetic and captivating performance from Birmingham artist Dahlia Rae, followed by the much-anticipated sneak preview of the collection. The model entered the room in a velvet plaid shirt and trousers set, setting a tone of refined eccentricism. The collection was said to be inspired by la Sape subculture, which was reflected in the model’s first look. Entering the room in a plaid shirt and trousers, there was a sort of refined and casual eccentricism to the look. The inspiration became even more apparent in the second look. The model then stepped out in a double-breasted velvet blazer with fur trim details, which Solomon introduced as ‘the holy grail of this collection’ in his eyes.
