After a quick Google of the brand revealed Cottweiler to be ‘London’s most underrated label’, their SS18 show began to shrink the disparity between the talent and the hype. Fans of the brand differ from the usual horde of celebabies and reality stars; FKA twigs and Skepta are just some of the influencers who are fans of the brand and who bring with them integrity and not just Instagram followers.

Lizard embroidery tied the collection together, with bag, shirts and even the model’s bodies sporting them. They called to mind the embroidered dragons which covered everyone’s Maharishi cargo pants during the 1990s, and which were due a comeback. Early 2000s tribal patterns were re-invigorated in neutral beiges and greys and textured fabrics, and tufted feathery trousers added a new dimension to these prints.

The sportswear was still there for the fans, even managing to pitch a persuasive argument for cycling shorts on men. Both sexes will be fighting over the sheer nude shorts, and the two-pieces which could be interpreted as both tracksuit and suit. Silver, green and orange fabrics shimmered down the runway on loose vests and oversized trousers. As designers Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty came out at the end, dressed in the collection and to riotous applause, it was clear they are the best advert for their clothes; a demonstration of why everyone can (and should) be wearing Cottweiler.

Words: Harriet May de Vere