By Josephine Agbonkhese

The “Past Present Future” (PFF) collection, designed by Jose Hendo in collaboration with Victor Adewole, the creative director of Vixteau Couture, is an exciting and innovative fusion of styles, exploring the relationship between time and fashion.

This collection, launched in 2022, is a blend of bold artistic expression, high fashion, and cultural storytelling, merging the distinct design sensibilities of both Hendo and Adewole.

Key Aspects of the Past Present Future Collection:

1. Conceptual Foundation:

The PFF collection is built around the concept of time: Past, Present, and Future. Inspired by the River Nile, Past Present Future (PPF) seeks to highlight the management, use and disposal of fashion and technology in a way that minimises environmental damage and encourages sustainable environmental practices by responsible production.

Fashion and technology are large contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, but can be the catalyst for businesses to change how they manage what resources go into their products or services.

PPF is a transeasonal design series, addressing sustainability and circularity as the way to address our impact on the environment. This series demonstrates how we can extend the life of garments by upcycling traditional menswear, jackets, coats, shirts, trousers, and wedding gowns in combination with Ugandan Barkcloth.

The rustic Barkcloth and upcycled fabrics complement each other beautifully, as Barkcloth is one of the best ambassadors for sustainability. It is one of the oldest cloths made by man (Past) together with the used garments (also Past). As part of our R3 Sustainable by design ethos, upcycling is a way of prolonging the life of a garment and reducing waste thereby connecting the Past and Present to the Future.

Collaboration Dynamics:

Jose Hendo, known for her intricate and unique approach to fashion, brings a deep understanding of sustainability and craftsmanship to the project. His designs often focus on creating art through garments, with an emphasis on using natural and eco-friendly materials.

Victor Adewole, the creative force behind Vixteau Couture the unisex and genderless brand , is known for his bold, dramatic aesthetic and intricate detailing. His designs often reflect a blend of opulence and modernity, with a focus on creating garments that tell a story.

Together, they create a collection that balances Hendo’s sustainable, eco-conscious approach with Adewole’s artistic, couture-driven vision, resulting in a collection that is both timely and timeless.

Materials and Techniques:

The collaboration likely utilized a mix of traditional and modern materials, perhaps incorporating sustainable fabrics, upcycled materials, or innovative textiles that evoke a sense of the future.

Textural contrasts may have been key, combining softer, natural fibers (representing the past) with sleek, futuristic elements like metallic fabrics or 3D-printed details.

Design and Aesthetic:

The PFF collection would feature a unique combination of dramatic silhouettes and avant-garde details, with a focus on tailoring and sculptural forms.

The use of layers, drapery, and intricate embroidery could reflect the historical aspect of the past, while futuristic elements may include bold geometric shapes, tech-inspired prints, or digitally influenced patterns.

Cultural Narrative:

Both Hendo and Adewole have a strong cultural identity in their work, and the collection may have also woven in cultural references, blending African heritage with contemporary and futuristic elements.

The PFF collection could serve as a form of cultural commentary, examining the evolution of fashion and identity over time, especially in the context of global movements towards sustainability, diversity, and the integration of technology in design.

Showcasing the Collection:

A runway show or presentation of this collection would likely be a theatrical, multidimensional experience, with lighting, music, and choreography aligning to enhance the time-travel theme. The garments themselves would serve as the centerpiece of the performance, with models possibly showcasing different “time periods” through the changes in their looks.

Overall Impact:

The collaboration between Jose Hendo and Victor Adewole in the “Past Present Future” (PFF) collection represents a union of art, culture, and cutting-edge fashion. The collection likely resonated with audiences not only for its beauty and craftsmanship but also for its thought-provoking narrative, exploring the ever-changing relationship between time, history, and modern life.