Violet Chachki is Devilish In Dilara Findikoglu's Gothic Collection

Central Saint Martins alumnus Dilara Findikoglu has become known for her dark, dramatic fashion, creating looks sought after by names like Rihanna, Grimes and FKA Twigs. For spring '18, the London-based Turkish designer expanded on her romantic vision to tell the story of "Seven Sisters of Inherited Sun"--a narrative divided into archetypes: Believers, Rebels, Thinkers, Politicians, Religious Leaders, Royals and The God.

The collection reveled in blood red and British punk attitude a la Vivienne Westwood, recruiting queer notables like RuPaul's Drag Race winner Violet Chachki, "Volcano" rapper Brooke Candy and nightlife star Sussi to walk during London Fashion Week. There were strong allusions to classic tailoring in pinstripes, plaids and houndstooth, all deep-sixed with safety pins and DIY patches. But Findikoglu didn't imagine mindless rebels--these were elevated powerhouses, dressed to dismantle the elite and reimagine a new future.

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English poet Greta Bellamacina and Robert Montgomery penned whimsical descriptions for each of Findikoglu's characters. "The children are dressed in black," they wrote of the Rebels; "The priests are whirling like dervishes in circles," the pair said of Findikoglu's Religious Leaders. Finally, they described the God as "bored," adding that "She sides with the animals and the weather and they watch our digital alien rampage, with cool sad eves."

Keep clicking for Dilara Findikoglu's full gothic lineup:

Photo Courtesy Dilara Findikoglu