Recently, British label maharishi displayed its Fall/Winter 2015 collection. The brand, founded in 1994, is unlike most because of its ideals, as well as the stories and unique processes behind the materials it uses. In Sanskrit, “maharishi” means great spiritual leader or Hindu sage. Founder Hardy Blechman started the label with the goal to create environmentally-friendly and useable clothing, as well as to integrate pacifist Hindu ideals in the way his clothes were made.
Much of the materials used in the autumnal maharishi pieces come from “upcycled” military garments, which are sent to India to be washed in saffron water, smudged in herb, and blessed to remove military association. This gives a sense of purity to the wearer, knowing the clothing was made with the environment in mind and with the idea of peace in mind.
The collection itself is rugged, dark, and earthy due to the nature of the former military garments primarily featured. Despite the pacifist ethos, the styling and utilitarian clothing sends off a very intimidating and militant feel. A heavy utilization of facial coverings and ski masks give an insurgent or covert operations vibe on top. Technical fleece, camouflage, black combat boots, and gleaming black leathers, matched with intimidating stares from the models did good to conceal the peaceful ideals behind the collection.
The show did follow the current trend of flowing and looseness in its sweaters, jackets, and parkas, which were often open and left to billow behind. A huge, long, flowing, knit vest that looked almost like a blanket and a high-collar reflective windbreaker were the largest standout pieces of the collection, with a fur-lined parka carrying a generous amount of fur following close behind. Although the collection was cleansed of all combat-ready association, it still showed heavy military influence in its presentation on the runway, utilizing the upcycled former military garments to do what they do best.
