Liberty Hypernova 150: by Frida Giannini
The creative director talks us through her milestone collaboration celebrating 150 years of Liberty.
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Liberty Hypernova 150: by Frida Giannini
The creative director talks us through her milestone collaboration celebrating 150 years of Liberty.
By: Team Liberty
Introducing: Hypernova 150 by Frida Giannini. Designed in honour of our 150th Anniversary, this milestone collaboration is an exclusive capsule of accessories and fashion by artistic director, Frida Giannini.
Internationally renowned for her storytelling, artistry and expertise in ready-to-wear and leather goods, Frida Giannini has helmed some of the most storied houses in fashion. She is known for her influential work in fashion, her deep commitment to mastery and cultural preservation.
Where the spirit of Soho meets Liberty’s homegrown eccentricity, Frida’s distinctive and directional designs within the Hypernova 150 collection mark a monumental moment in Liberty’s history: 150 years spent at the forefront of art, design and culture.
This artistry abounds throughout the collection, each piece exemplifying mastery in design and technique: threads of Liberty’s history are woven through Frida’s creative lens into a tapestry of legacy, modernity and innovation.
Here, Frida talks us through her enduring passion for Liberty and the creative inspirations at the heart of the collection…
Liberty Hypernova 150: By Frida Giannini
On her love for Liberty…
“I have always loved Liberty. For its history, for the artists who designed for this incredible place – like William Morris and Sonja Delauney – and for the artists who dressed in Liberty fabrics, from Oscar Wilde to David Bowie.
I also love Liberty for the vision of the founder, Sir Arthur Lasenby Liberty, who was a pioneer in sharing discoveries from the Far East and the silk road. On his many travels, he would return to England with revolutionary proposals for the time, which always preceded any fashion trends at the time.”
On history, modernity and quintessential British spirit…
“For me, Liberty is the only place emblematic of the quintessence of England: sat between Carnaby Street – the emblem of the social revolution, the swinging Sixties, punks and studs, and Saville Raw – a place of tradition, craftmanship and tailoring. It is not a coincidence that 150 years ago, Sir Arthur Liberty wanted to build his Tudor style building here, a building which today still captures the eye for its uniqueness.
[The building] invites you to climb its wooden stairs, where you can still smell the incredible history that makes it not only a brand but an emblem of England and London. You can really breathe the freedom, the past and the modernity.
Finally, to me Liberty attracts and holds an international appeal. Walking through [the building] is a unique experience, surrounded by all cultures: it is a unique melting pot in the world.”
On a Fortuitous Collaboration…
“I once lived in London and return there often. For me, a place I could never miss visiting was Liberty, it was an obligatory destination for me. I needed to come back to my job and my passion, and [this collaboration with] Liberty came in the perfect moment: a sort alchemy!
Being a lover of history and archives I was, first of all, honoured to have been chosen to help celebrate the anniversary. I realised, too, that it was a great challenge, and I like challenges! So, I began researching the storytelling and archives, to find something that could create a strong sense of contrast: uniting the heritage of Liberty, Carnaby Street and music, my great passions, and projecting Liberty into the next 150 years.”
On translating inspiration to masterful design…
“A hypernova is a rare event in which a strong stellar explosion creates many new stars. So, I thought I'd start with a statement, which is graphically powerful and recognisable by everyone, just like Liberty, the Union Jack. With a hypernova in mind, I introduced the symbolic [purple] colours of Liberty and bronze metals inspired by the British navy [two naval ships were used to build Liberty’s flagship store]. From this came the navy peacoats in felted cashmere and velvet with severed proportions, and the long admiral's coats, to project Liberty into the next 150 years - at least - but always maintaining its origins.
Starting from this new colour palette, I searched for and redesigned a Japanese-inspired heron print from the Liberty archives, which has been reproduced on iridescent silk velvets.
Finally, I designed the monogram logo, which unites the “LL” of Liberty London, in this design, we can read the contrast between the more organic traditions of the past and a more modernist future: very rich and luxurious.”
Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || The Hackney Velvet Peacoat
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || The Chelsea Bag
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || The City Bucket Bag
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || The Swing Bag
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || The Double L Belt
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || The Regent Clutch Bag
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || Heron Velvet Trousers
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || Hypernova 70X200 Wool-Silk Scarf
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || The Nelson Coat
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || Hypernova Pyjama Set
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || The Mini Camera Bag
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Liberty
HYPERNOVA 150 || Heron Velvet Cape
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*Allow 3 additional working days for delivery of The Liberty Beauty and Men's Advent Calendar
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