Subverzion: Ancient Craft, Contemporary Adornment

Based in Leeds, Charlie is a knitwear and crochet fashion designer whose practice explores body adornment, identity and our relationship with the crafts of those who came before us.

Working across intricate crochet and knit techniques, Subverzion creates sculptural headpieces that sit somewhere between fashion and art. Construction and texture are central to the work, alongside a meticulous approach to sourcing materials sustainably. The result is a visual language deeply informed by historical dress, using centuries-old methods of making to create pieces that feel distinctly contemporary.

A fascination with the history of craft runs throughout Subverzion’s practice. Ancient garment construction, traditional handwork and the ways clothing has been used to decorate and transform the body become starting points for exploring how these techniques can exist within modern fashion.

Each piece also carries its own narrative world. Through art direction, styling and editorial imagery, Subverzion draws on historical references to build contrasting environments around the garments, allowing the stories and ideas behind the work to extend beyond the pieces themselves.

Spanning fashion design, art direction and styling, Charlie’s work revolves around an appreciation of making by hand and the long histories held within the techniques we continue to use today.