Inside the hallowed halls of the headquarters of the Church of England yesterday, Priya Ahluwalia delivered her SS25 collection: Home Sweet Home. Delving deeper into her Indian-Nigerian heritage saw the designer tell stories of those who have traversed continents, as she navigated the landscape of migration and the intimate ties between past and present. Soundtracked to an immersive track built in collaboration with Amsterdam-based collective MassiveMusic and Nigerian artist Adekule Gold, the designer’s soundscape weaved together sounds from across the globe as Afrobeat vocals met Bollywood rhythm and garage beats.

Influenced by the work of Peruvian artist and writer Jorge Eielson, the knotted pieces in the collection were a nod to the physical and emotional ties to one’s homeland. Transforming parts of her own formative years into the collection saw patterns inspired by the wallpaper of Priya’s grandparents first home on UK soil decorate jersey dresses and cosy knitwear. In a continuation of the brand’s commitment to sustainability, tailored suiting was built from deadstock fabric while tops were crafted from vintage doilies and trimmed with delicate beading. Silhouettes mimicked the structure of Nigerian architecture as dresses and skirts were draped asymmetrically across the body in a manner akin to traditional curtains found in Nigerian doorways. In looking to the past, this season saw Priya Ahluwalia stride forward into new territory, honouring those who came before as she goes.