Since the railings came down around Hamilton House five years ago, it’s become a strong part of Stokes Croft’s identity, with the Coexsist Canteen becoming a popular watering hole and floors of studio space for artists, designers and exercise classes. Each year Coexsist host their own fashion show and on Thursday I was lucky enough to be able to attend, courtesy of Banker and Benefit.
Banker and Benefit is a menswear brand designed by Marcus Royall, and its trademark collections involve using charity shop sourced fabric to customise basics such as t-shirts, resulting in every piece being unique. The palette on Thursday’s catwalk was a mix of military green, gold and burgundy, and the styling included woollen long-johns and golden grills – a so-wrong-it’s-right combination.
The event marked Banker & Benefit’s fashion show debut and the brand was in fine company, with some of Bristol’s stalwart independent designers showing their collections, including Katcha Bilek, whose accessories include the beautiful ‘Carmen’ satchel, above, and Puckoo Couture.
Here are some of my favourite designs to hit the Coexist catwalk…
Styled knitwear and quilted army green trousers from Banker and Benefit
A model strikes a pose in her sequin-drenched Pink Ace outfit
This scarlet red fringe dress was one of the many highlights from designer Trina
Vintage shirts paired with socks and gold sandals from Banker and Benefit
Local designer Frances Rennison designs bespoke tails using vintage fabric and quirky prints
A life-size crochet toilet roll doll from Pink Ace
The Banker and Benefit models get the crowds cheering
Beautiful tailored pieces from design duo Hannah Bartlett and Eloise Atwell, aka Jokoto
Great photos! I so love that red fringe dress – looks amazing! X
And winner of the best design is… the life-size crochet toilet roll doll: just brilliant!