Chopova Lowena: A Fusion of Mini Golf whimsy and Regency England chic
As you step into the Chopova Lowena show in London, you’re greeted by a striking, patchouli-scented atmosphere, two vintage umbrella stands cluttered with rubber-headed putters, and a jagged mound of Astro Turf encircling the collection on Stockmans.
“We designed the collection around British Regency-era fashion and golf,” explained Laura Lowena, who launched the label with Emma Chopova, her Central Saint Martins classmate, in 2017. “Our emphasis has always been on sport and folklore.”
Do the designers themselves play golf?
“I’m into crazy golf,” Chopova chimed, using the British term for mini golf. It’s not a usual source of fashion inspiration for designers presenting in Milan or Paris, but it fits this label’s playful mood.
The Regency influence becomes more apparent in the Empire waistlines, voluminous sleeves, and meticulous embellishments. The brand’s signature pleated carabiner skirt is reimagined as tiered, floor-skimming versions crafted from a collage of fabrics.
Their research into the period involved deep dives into books and extensive online exploration. “The V&A online collection, the British Museum online collection, and the Met online collection are invaluable,” Lowena noted with enthusiasm.
They didn’t stop at historical lookbooks—they also mined their own fabric leftovers and upholstery scraps, weaving them into sculptural corsets and zippered panniers that mingle with tartans and argyle patterns.
The collection felt loud, quirky, and packed with personality—and now it includes a playful slogan-driven intimates line under the name Chopoval Lowena Feelings. One sweatshirt carries the slogan: “Smiles, giggles, tears and frowns, I’ve got a case of the ups and downs.”
And this is where the conversation goes beyond fashion: is embracing such theatrical, hybrid references the future of fashion presentation, or a flashy detour? How do you balance nostalgia with modern practicality in today’s runways? Share your thoughts in the comments.
