THERE are few brands that have a history as rich in pop-culture as Fiorucci’s in the late 70s and 80s in New York. The brand’s customers included the likes of Cher, employees were individuals like founder of i-D, Terry Jones and Christopher Ciccone, Madonna’s brother, who invited her to perform at the store’s parties, and collaborators included artist Kenny Scharf.
So upon delving into the archives, Creative Director Daniel Fletcher had plenty to play with. Taking inspiration from the stickers Elio Fiorucci would have in the NYC store were translated into collages seen on satin bowling shirts and mini dresses, while never-used-before graphics are printed onto long-sleeves echoing the brand’s vibrant heritage. Distinctly retro, the colour palette this season is anything but quiet with bursts of colour seen on mohair sweaters, vests and screen-printed denim sets.
Never straying too far from their famous cherubs, the angels are welcomed into the season in a more subtle manner through single-stroke intarsia knit sets and on travel bags. Especially for AW22, the cherubs also arrive in a rococo-inspired interpretation on the famous two-pieces in more muted colours to reflect the pure nature of the characters.
No collection is complete without a campaign, and Fiorucci leant further into their history and brought its vivacious spirit to life through the lens of Josie Hall. Featuring daughter of rock royalty, Ella Richards is joined by Bastien De Bels for a series of photographs oozing the insouciant glamour.
To coincide with the release of the collection, Fiorucci also launches an expansion in London pushing the brand from their roots in Soho to the cool streets of East London. Opening two pop-up spaces for the next six months, Redchurch Street will be solely dedicated to bringing passersby a dream-like escape with cherub mania, while Shoreditch High Street will delve into the history of the brand with archival material on the wall and exclusive one-off pieces available to purchase.
Whether you want to know more about Fiorucci’s era-defining past, or wish to relax with the angels, you should most definitely head East this Autumn
by Imogen Clark
Fiorucci Shoreditch Pop-ups | 149-150 Shoreditch High Street & 30 Redchurch Street
