CMMN SWDN’s Autumn/Winter 2025 runway show was an evocative exploration of identity, heritage, and the space between—where traditions meet modernity, and cultures merge into something entirely new. Titled In Between Spaces, the collection encapsulated the personal narratives of designers Emma and Saif Bakir, whose roots stretch between Sweden and the Middle East. This duality was evident in every stitch, silhouette, and textile, resulting in a collection that felt deeply intimate yet universally resonant.
At its core, In Between Spaces is about transition—both physical and emotional. It embraces the ambiguity of belonging to two worlds, translating this liminality into garments that juxtapose Scandinavian restraint with Middle Eastern opulence. The show’s palette reflected this fusion: a base of sand, cream, and grey formed a refined foundation, punctuated by bursts of rich jewel tones and metallic accents reminiscent of traditional Middle Eastern craftsmanship.
This season also marked a significant evolution for the brand: the debut of its highly anticipated womenswear line. Emma Bakir, a Central Saint Martins alumna, brought her expertise in balancing structure and fluidity to create designs that spoke to a woman’s strength and grace.
Womenswear: A Study in Strength and Sensitivity
The silhouettes were both commanding and elegant. Hourglass blazers with broad, exaggerated shoulders and cinched waists conveyed power, mirroring the confidence of the modern woman while maintaining a sense of fluidity. Longline shirts with scarf-like collars paid homage to Arabic dress codes, layering sophistication with subtle historical references. Elsewhere, exaggerated pointed collars emerged as a defining motif, adding a bold, graphic edge to outerwear and tailoring alike.
Outerwear, a cornerstone of the collection, presented itself in oversized down jackets crafted from fur-printed technical fabrics—a subversive take on luxury. By digitally replicating fur rather than using it traditionally, the designers questioned notions of power and status, offering an alternative that was both innovative and culturally conscious.
Menswear: Precision Meets Poetic Displacement
For menswear, the tension between minimalism and embellishment played out across tailored pieces infused with unexpected details. Classic-cut coats were reimagined with draped fabrics that mimicked the movement of traditional Middle Eastern robes, while structured trousers were softened by fluid layers. Richly textured knits and jacquard weaves told stories of migration and identity, their intricate patterns reflecting a history of craftsmanship passed down through generations.
In a world that often demands definition, In Between Spaces embraced contradiction. It was a collection that celebrated hybridity, proving that the most compelling identities—and the most exciting fashion—are born in the spaces between.
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