In Ahluwalia’s new Spring/Summer 2022 collection, hair is the true star. Presented via a short film on Monday as part of London Fashion Week, the set highlights the importance and symbolism that hair carries in Black and South Asian cultures, with designs inspired by J.D. Okhai Ojeikere’s photos of hairstyles in Nigeria, ‘90s music videos, and vintage hair salon posters.

Directed by Akinola Davies Jr., “Parts of Me,” follows the journey of a migrant boat and features nearly surrealist imagery in hues of blue, green, and pink, complemented by an ethereal soundtrack from Kelly Moran. Models are seen with a variety of breathtaking hairstyles coordinated by Amidat Giwa. 

“The film is more a celebration [of] Black hair and inviting people to take time and think about it in a really beautiful way,” designer and creative director Priya Ahluwalia told the Guardian. “One thing I kept saying when developing the film is Black hair is often used against Black women and I really wanted this project to be putting Black hair on a pedestal as a thing of beauty. I think creating the film is inherently political even though the theme isn’t.”

The collection features Ahluwalia’s signature organic, wave-like shapes on shirts, suits, pantsuits, and dresses – for the first time, the label is also presenting womenswear looks. Pieces feature braid-inspired details like seam lines, prints, and embroidery, and a portion of the designs also carry checkered and patchwork patterns. The palette is mainly in tones of blue, pink, orange, and green, accentuated by earthy shades.

Highlights include the gradient dress in white and blue with golden wave details and the sweatshirt and pants made with multiple pieces of fabric, such as a university hoodie. Stencil-looking motifs appear on white loafers, slippers, and cowboy-like boots. 

The lineup also includes a capsule collaboration with Mulberry: Ahluwalia presents a reimagination of the Portobello tote in various sizes, with designs inspired by techniques of braided Black hair. The pieces feature a ‘70s-inspired wave print and colors, which are also presented on scarves – and marks Ahluwalia’s first batch of accessories. 

Learn more about the collection and view the full lookbook on Ahluwalia.World. Watch “Parts of Me” below: