Last night Harris Reed previewed its Autumn/Winter ‘23 collection titled All the World’s A Stage – named after the opening line of a passage from Shakespeare’s As You Like It. So what’s the only appropriate way to open his London Fashion Week show at the Tate Modern? With a monologue, of course.
There was nobody more fitting to begin the show with a captivating speech than Little Women actress and sartorial hero, Florence Pugh.
MORE: Florence Pugh just wore her most outrageous red carpet look ever
Florence Pugh at Harris Reed AW23 show
“Clothing has transformative power, whether for an actor or simply a performer on the stage of life, the art of dressing up allows us to express who we truly are, creating a safe space to inhabit in a sometimes judgmental world,” she said at the show which saw guests such as Jodie Turner-Smith and Lisa Rinna in attendance.
The 27-year-old opened Reed’s theatrical presentation in a black and gold Harlequin print sequined gown, comprising a sculpted velvet corset style bodice – Reed’s intention was to give the body new shapes.
Florence Pugh and Harris Reed
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Florence’s oversized hat honours the glamour and excess of pageant costumes. A pair of chunky calf-high leather boots finished off the ensemble, adding height to her 5ft 3 frame. Her final words on stage invited people to “embrace the lame and sequins of life”.
Her look was paired with a dainty but dazzling pair of dangle earrings from Missoma.
Lead makeup artist Sofia Tilbury crafted the beauty looks for the show using all Charlotte Tilbury makeup and skincare. She explained "bold and amplified use of colour alongside pearlescent, metallic tones were key components in reflecting the extravagant aesthetic Harris was looking for.".
She reflected on her monologue in an Instagram post saying: “@harris_reed asked me to speak his words. Only as I was learning them did I realise that my 13 year old self was screaming the same thing”.
The Don’t Worry Darling star has been the target of body shamers who made comments on a sheer Valentino dress she wore that exposed her nipples. Her sartorial motto has always been bold and unique, a perfect fit for Harris Reed’s androgynous, fluid agenda.
Her Instagram story continued: “You wear yourself. And what you want to be seen as [...] “It was an honour and it was a privilege. My teen self would have been screaming.”
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