Fashion student Conor Turley designs queer capsule collection with Essentiel Antwerp

Following its collaboration with the now-graduated Paula Van Dyck, Belgian fashion label Essentiel Antwerp has once again partnered with the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. The second collection comes from third-year student Conor Turley.

Working alongside Essentiel Antwerp's design team, Turley reimagined silhouettes from his previous collection. These were inspired by the Roaring Twenties and Berlin nightlife. Specifically, he drew on a documentary about a queer community in Germany in the 1920s. The capsule collection comprises a bomber jacket, a dress, a shirt and a skirt. Essentiel Antwerp's signature style is clearly recognisable throughout.

During the academy's annual graduate fashion show, Essentiel traditionally awards a prize to an outstanding talent. The aim is to provide a launching pad. This year, the award went to Turley. "It's about nurturing wild ideas and giving young designers a platform to shine," says Inge Onsea, creative director and co-founder of Essentiel Antwerp. "We believe in the power of mentoring. Supporting new talents like Conor keeps our world unexpected and full of surprises."

Turley received support with material selection and the transition from handwork to machine production, the design of his co-branding label, campaign photography, product launch and window display design.

The capsule collection from Essentiel Antwerp and the Antwerp fashion department with Conor Turley is available from December 4. It is being sold through the online shop and at the Essentiel store on Huidevettersstraat in Antwerp.