As a recent winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design and a finalist of the 2020 LVMH Prize, Priya Ahluwalia is a rising star whose quickly dominating the British fashion industry. Her eponymous label is loved by many for her sustainable-made designs, that are heavily influenced by her Indian-Nigerian dual heritage and her London roots. And now, she's collaborated with Scandi-style juggernaut Ganni, in an exclusive capsule made from their old season deadstock

While her own label caters to menswear – despite it often being worn by women worldwide – this new collaboration is Ahluwalia's first venture into womenswear. "It was interesting because I was thinking of myself and my best friends more whilst designing it, and I was thinking about the fit in a different way," shares Ahluwalia over email. "I wanted to be able to create a collection that made women feel confident and sexy without being difficult to wear with a bra. I was also thinking about movement a lot as well as enhancing a woman’s shape." 



The capsule balances Ganni's Scandi-centric aesthetic with the London-based brand's heritage led designs – at first, what seems most recognisably 'Ahluwalia' is the use of patch working within the collection. "As I was using surplus Ganni materials, including their prints and reworking some of the silhouettes, the Ganni element of the collection happened very naturally," she explains. "I still researched topics that were culturally relevant to me and approached the design process in the same way I usually do. Whilst designing, I referenced old photos of my mum and Ewen Spencer's UKG book." The latter is photographic tome that documents the early days of the UK Garage phenomenon, and the inspiration point can quickly be found through the selection of leather mini skirts, animal print, fitted dresses and sporty two pieces that are on offer.

Ahluwalia first started working on the collection when she would have been able to fly to Copenhagen without restrictions, but then it all quickly changed. "
Due to the changing flight rules, we’ve had to do all the work digitally. That’s been tricky for things like fittings." And much like everyone, she's missed the camaraderie that being in the same space as her colleagues emits. "To be honest, on a personal level I actually just miss the whole team, I can’t wait to see everyone properly again." And thanks to this latest collaboration, we can do so whilst looking our best. 



The Ahluwalia x Ganni collaboration goes on sale April 23rd.


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