#speed tribe

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Irish designer Katie Ann McGuigan, AW19

Inspired by the Bosozoku or 'Speed Tribe' biker subculture of Japan. The Bosozoku were founded in the 1950s, before rising to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, and were associated with customised motorcycles, jumpsuits adorned with slogans, Japanese hachimaki headbands and surgical masks. The trademark combination of military and utility gear combined with heavily modified bikes contributed to their unique place in Japanese contemporary culture. Bosozoku were inclusive of women, and this idea of a powerful all-girl underground gang that leads the mood this season.

Informed by vintage imagery of the Bosozukus, Katie Ann McGuigan draws inspiration from the gang’s trademark DIY customized motorcycles and slogan adorned uniforms. This translates into a collection heavy on print and texture. In a palette of lilac, mint, ochre, navy and jade; Katie Ann McGuigan fuses heavy leathers and light, breezy organzas into a flow of box and inverted pleats. Alongside sporty nylons and chunky wools, thermochromic fabric is a new addition. Classic motorcycle styles are interwoven throughout with the plaid 90’s reference, 80’s leather skirts and dresses and chunky knits. Katie Ann McGuigan staples; layered knits, floaty tulle dresses, panelled skirts and tie-dyed button down shirts are continued; longline puffa gilets and a zip up boiler suit. Prints throughout are roses, ginghams, tyre marks and slogans; ‘Road Runner’, ‘Only Night Angels’, ‘Highway Danger’. Continuing from last season’s signature logo boot, Katie introduces chunky knee high boots with rose and slogan prints, also sling back heavy duty mules are introduced in a matching colour palette.' X

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bosozoku biker speed tribe japan

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