Brandon Choi

Fresh off closing this year's Central Saint Martins MA fashion graduate show, Brandon Choi is ready for his solo debut with DiscoveryLab on Saturday. The half-French, half-Chinese designer from Portsmouth wants to bring a different perspective to the world of haute couture.

"My work addresses some important topics in society such as sustainability, community and craftsmanship and has elements of elegant simplicity mixed with more raw and sort of maximalist energy," said Choi.

The fall 2022 collection to be presented is based on his graduate collection, with three new pieces added.

"Much of the themes are a continued exploration of humble materials such as cardboard, paper and calico, and silhouettes continue to reference familiar ones from the golden age of haute couture," explained Choi, adding that his brand essentially explores "how human sensibility and ritual-like couture craftsmanship meet, in an offering of construction and deconstruction led by process and the pursuit of unexpected beauty." For Choi, who had a very creative upbringing and who has worked at places like Aganovich, Viktor & Rolf, and Vivienne Westwood, fashion is an extension of sculpture, but one that people can wear and live in.

"It can change our posture, evoke emotions and ultimately alter our appearance. Growing up, I was always fascinated by fashion and all of the wonderful women in my large extended family, particularly my mother's sense of style. Discussions around style and clothing were always a part of the conversation in my household," he added.

Looking ahead, Choi hopes to take a slow approach with his namesake label.

"I am not in a rush and I want to take my time to create. Exploring more ideas and techniques and working within my capacity. To begin with, I would love to work on some custom pieces and commissions for clients, as well as do some consultancy and other collaborative projects," he said.