Chopova Lowena

Chopova Lowena is known for its harmonious juxtapositions, subtly combining modernity and nostalgia, luxury and kitsch, craftsmanship and humour. Skin-tight layers of brightly printed mesh are paired with their signature Bulgarian pleats in wool and nylon. Big, sturdy belts double as mini-skirts underneath delicate harnesses made from metal hardware. Voluminous, puffy sleeves embellish the utilitarian outerwear. Leather is stamped with humorous safety instructions, while trophy flags capture absurd clichés. We have an anthropological approach to design, observing traditional customs and re-imagining them through a modern lense. Our design ethos stems from a desire to work with niche and forgotten techniques, and to collaborate with craftsmen in small Eastern-European and English communities. By working closely with skilled artisans, we aim to preserve disappearing crafts. We were founded by Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena, who graduated from the MA Fashion at Central Saint Martins in 2017 with the Samsung Fashion and Design Fund and the L'Oréal Professional Bursary. That same year we were finalists in the H&M Design Award, and in 2018 we won the OTB Award at International Talent Support (ITS). Most recently in 2020 we were winners of the LVMH Prize.