Paolo Carzana, a rising star in the fashion world, invites us into an intimate exploration of his latest collection. Set against the backdrop of a historic London pub, this presentation transcends mere clothing to become a profound narrative on beauty, strength, and the human condition.

A Poetic Journey Through Fashion and Tradition

The Birth of a Vision

In the days leading up to the Autumn/Winter 2025 showcase, Paolo Carzana was barely holding onto two hours of sleep. His voice, heavy with exhaustion, spoke volumes about the relentless pace of fashion. Yet, it was this very urgency that fueled his creativity. Just a month prior, he had only begun cutting his initial fabrics. For a designer known for his meticulous eye, this tight timeline presented unique challenges. "Ideally, I would have started earlier," he admitted, "but throughout the year, I’m focused on making ends meet."Carzana’s journey is marked by respect rather than fame or wealth. Vogue’s Sarah Mower has championed him since his Westminster University days, and Cathy Horyn of The Cut praised his work for its integrity and unparalleled vision. This acclaim is well-deserved; his previous presentations, including one where a model reenacted Caravaggio’s Narcissus in a leafy Hackney garden, left audiences deeply moved. That show was part of his 'Trilogy of Hope,' culminating now in Dragons Unwinged at the Butchers Block.

Inspiration from the Streets

Working late nights at the Paul Smith Foundation’s studios in Smithfield Market, Carzana witnessed the early morning rituals of local butchers. Despite being a vegan, he found himself drawn to the community’s resilience and tradition. "Even though it is hard to understand what is happening, you see a real community of working people," he reflected. This environment sparked thoughts of dragons—symbols of untouchable beauty and power. In today’s world, however, these symbols face challenges. The destruction of the earth and erosion of human rights made him question what happens when power is stripped away before it can fully manifest.

The Final Chapter Unfolds

On a drizzly Sunday evening, Carzana transported the fashion crowd to the Holy Tavern, a charming 18th-century pub in Farringdon. Sixty guests gathered in its cozy nooks, braving the rain outside. The collection, concise yet impactful, featured just 15 looks inspired by 19th-century aesthetics. Each piece was crafted from scraps of lace and linen, tied close to the skin without stitching, creating a hazy sheen under candlelight. These techniques, honed over a decade, reached new heights with a hand-applied palette of colors. “All the colours have been applied by hand with brushes and spray,” Carzana explained, drawing inspiration from Toulouse-Lautrec’s paintings.This final chapter of the Trilogy of Hope, titled Dragons Unwinged, symbolized purgatory—a place where souls find mercy on their purification journey. The soft, hand-dyed hues represented this transition, with tones of pink blending into rich yellows and light blues derived from natural dyes like logwood and turmeric. The result was a sunrise-like palette, ready to spill into the day.

Transcendence in Fashion

When asked about spirituality, Carzana laughed. Raised in Cardiff with a religious upbringing, he has since distanced himself from organized faith but finds solace in something greater. This reverence permeates his shows, creating a quiet, thoughtful experience. After his emotional closing wave, Carzana invited guests to linger, sharing wine and stories. He sought feedback from supporters, mentors, friends, and family. Despite the accolades, financial challenges loom large. “I need to find more funding,” he confessed, emphasizing the value of his work. “We want to give fashion purpose and build that into the world.”Carzana’s poetic vision of beauty ultimately enriches our lives, offering a moment of transcendence in a world often overshadowed by vanity. Given the current global climate, such moments are invaluable.

After achieving a monumental debut with her single “It’s Ok I’m Ok,” Canadian artist Tate McRae introduced fans to another captivating track, “Sports Car.” This song, featured on her third studio album, So Close to What, delves into themes of love, sex, and adrenaline. In this article, we explore the inspiration behind the hit, its production process, and why the music video lacks an actual sports car.

Experience the Thrill of Love Through Music

The Driving Force Behind “Sports Car”

Tate McRae’s “Sports Car” encapsulates the exhilaration of romance and passion. The artist shared with Vogue that the song mirrors the thrill one feels while speeding in a sports car. McRae explained how she wanted to capture the essence of love's intensity and excitement through her breathy vocals and evocative lyrics. For instance, the opening lines—“Hey, cute jeans / Take mine off me”—set the tone for the song's steamy narrative.In an interview with Variety, McRae described “Sports Car” as a flirtatious anthem with a catchy beat. She elaborated on how the chorus evolved into a powerful metaphor, comparing the rush of romantic encounters to driving a sports car. The chorus highlights this connection: “I think you know what this is / I think you wanna uh / No, you ain’t got no Mrs. / Oh, but you got a sports car.” McRae aimed to introduce a fresh perspective on discussing intimacy in her music, ensuring it resonated authentically with her audience.

Inspiration from Unexpected Sources

The creation of “Sports Car” began with a unique idea proposed by co-writer Julia Michaels. Inspired by the Ying Yang Twins' “Whisper Song,” Michaels sought to reimagine the track with a feminine twist. Initially hesitant due to her preference for melodies, McRae eventually embraced the concept. “We referenced the Ying Yang Twins with the whisper chorus,” she told Vogue. “And it ended up being really fun.”This bold move not only added depth to the song but also showcased McRae’s willingness to experiment with different styles. Billboard praised this innovative approach, highlighting how McRae successfully merged classic elements with contemporary pop sensibilities. Her collaboration with seasoned producers like Ryan Tedder and Grant Boutin ensured that “Sports Car” stood out in the competitive music landscape.

The Artistry Behind the Music Video

Contrary to expectations, the music video for “Sports Car” does not feature a sports car. Instead, McRae takes center stage, transforming into 12 distinct characters. Each persona reflects various facets of her personality and artistic vision. One memorable scene involves McRae dancing alongside a horse, which she affectionately called “the best boy ever.”McRae’s choice to omit a sports car was deliberate. “I could kind of be the sports car in these rooms. I could be the girl who’s on display,” she explained to Variety. This decision allowed her to focus on the visual storytelling and fashion elements. Choreographing intricate moves in elaborate outfits, including six to eight-inch platform heels, presented significant challenges. However, McRae’s dedication to honoring each costume resulted in a visually stunning performance.

Facing Fears and Embracing Growth

Releasing “Sports Car” was both thrilling and intimidating for McRae. She revealed to Billboard that the song felt like a “big swing” for her as an artist. The vulnerability expressed in the track made it a pivotal moment in her career. “Whenever a song kind of scares you in the studio, there’s some magic to it,” she said. People magazine highlighted McRae’s courage in pushing boundaries. “One of the worst feelings is releasing stuff and it not doing anything—for anyone else, for me, for my growth,” she admitted. Despite the risks, McRae remains committed to creating genuine and passionate music. Her journey with “Sports Car” exemplifies her dedication to evolving as an artist and connecting with her audience on a deeper level.