Delving into the past, fashion designer Bora Aksu found himself drawn to the tragic story of Sukie, a barmaid from the 18th-century George & Dragon inn in Buckinghamshire. Legend has it that Sukie was lured into the Hellfire Caves under false pretenses and met a grisly end at the hands of jealous locals. This haunting tale served as the inspiration for Aksu’s latest collection, showcasing his ability to weave history, folklore, and fashion into a captivating narrative.

Aksu, known for his penchant for resurrecting forgotten female figures, embraced the challenge of bringing Sukie to life on the runway. With little historical documentation to rely on, he let his imagination run wild, envisioning Sukie in two distinct acts. The first act featured a practical yet elegant working wardrobe of the time, with crystal-embellished suits, check wool skirt-trousers, and ribbon-tied velvet puffers adding a touch of whimsy to the collection.

The second act took a more ethereal turn, as models donned gossamer capelets, ruffled polka-dot gowns, and lace-trimmed dresses that evoked Sukie’s ghostly presence. Alison Sudol’s haunting vocals added to the eerie atmosphere, culminating in a bridal look adorned with white roses—a nod to the reported sightings of Sukie’s ghost in a similar gown.

Despite immersing himself in Sukie’s tragic tale, Aksu admitted he was not quite ready for a supernatural encounter of his own. “Oh, I’m glad I didn’t,” he chuckled. “I don’t think I’m ready to see the afterlife just yet.”