The eye-popping graphics in Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida’s collection this season were inspired by Malian photographer Malick Sidibé’s black-and-white images of ’60s culture in Bamako, Mali. The photographs featured stylish Malians in mostly intricate prints set against striped or checked backdrops.

In a bid to telegraph diversity and inclusiveness, they once again cast friends and women of various heights and body shapes at the show, which featured Nina Simone’s distinctive voice on the soundtrack.

“If there was ever a time to talk about diversity, this was it. It felt very instinctive,” said Marques, echoing the views of many designers – and Londoners – who are frustrated with xenophobia on both sides of the Atlantic.

Related: Fashion Week Ready to Wear Fall 2017 | London

Source: FB/Marques Almeida
Courtesy of Marques Almeida