Standing on the Edge of Greatness
Review of Standing Ground Spring 2025 Fashion Show
By Angela Baidoo
THE COLLECTION
THE VIBE
Otherworldly, Ethereal Elegance, Textural
In Michael Stewart’s first solo outing, following his win of the LVMH Prize Savoir-Faire Award and graduation from Fashion East, he presented a collection which has restored a little faith in the fashion system. As no one is doing British red carpet dressing quite like Stewart’s Standing Ground.
Today, in his first standalone show, each model walked as statuesque beacons representing their creatives unique voice. Similar to the images of his last campaign which depicted a stark landscape with immovable ‘standing stones’ that allowed his designs to speak to the idea of permanence and strength.
His use of beaded textures suspended and encased in fluid jersey to create a visual trip for the eyes – and must feel as if receiving a therapeutic massage when worn – gave each model walking an almost otherworldly aura, as if they had been transplanted to earth from their home planet where organic bulbous forms were a part of the armour.
Back in reality standing alone in the red carpet space, which hasn’t seen a true refresh outside of floor-length embellished dresses, is a very privileged position to occupy. Providing a true reason to buy for those retailers with the fore-thought to invest in the future of fashion. Whether intentional or not Standing Grounds designs will also effortlessly appeal to women seeking modest-leaning designs. A market which should be on the designers radar for his future growth potential.
THE DIRECTION
THE WRAP UP
Michael Stewart’s process of hand-making each gown is cultivating an important client base for his work. As todays luxury consumer – who will understand and appreciate this level of craftsmanship and still buys the kind of gowns which will eventually be considered future heirlooms – will have been looking on at todays collection with their order books ready.
