Nia Jade Davies created a collection that offered an escape – The collection, aptly named “Backrooms,” is a reflection of the solace Nia found in small pubs with live music while navigating post-university life. Drawing inspiration from 90s silhouettes and the Britpop and rock era, the collection is a tribute to the nights spent with friends, letting go of everyday challenges.
“Backrooms” is a celebration of music, particularly influenced by the band Sonic Youth, which provided the soundtrack throughout the development process. “Music has played a big part in the foundation of the collection,” Nia explained. To highlight this, she curated a playlist capturing the collection’s influences and essence through music, further immersing the audience in her creative vision.
Facing limited resources and funding for her second collection, Nia rose to the challenge by utilising 98% of materials she already owned and collected during her university years. “This was a great challenge for me as when in university you have everything at your fingertips,” Nia remarked. Her research came from magazines she had collected over the years, pushing her to be resourceful and sustainable, creating something unique while minimising waste.
The collection features styles made for nights out with friends, celebrating music and the joy of letting loose. Wearable yet nostalgic, the designs nod to the 90s with slash neck cuts and also draw from the 60s with psychedelic prints, black and white pop art hints, and headwear choices. Each piece embodies a sense of freedom and self-expression, perfect for the vibrant nightlife that inspired it.
Models walked the runway in Nia Jade Davies’ creations, and the carefree and rebellious spirit of the 90s. The garments, made from a mix of upcycled materials, showed her brand’s sustainability. One look paired graphic mesh with sleek vegan leather, conjuring the rebellious attitude of 90s rock clubs. Other silhouettes like slinky blouses and rocker-chic maxis were styled with vintage-inspired accessories like retro sunglasses and colored tights, which conjured the sultry allure of iconic 90s music video vixens
With bold makeup and edgy hairstyles, the models brought the collection’s rock-and-roll essence to life. “You could feel the energy and creativity in every piece. It truly takes you back to the beauty of Nightlife!”
The reaction from the audience at Swansea Fashion Week was overwhelmingly positive. Fashion enthusiasts and critics alike praised Nia’s innovative approach and her ability to create a collection that is both nostalgic and contemporary. One attendee remarked, “Nia Jade Davies has crafted a collection that captures the essence of the 90s while being refreshingly original and sustainable.”
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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
Photography by Taiye Omokore
