In the ever-evolving world of independent fashion, few designers have carved a path as multidimensional and emotionally resonant as Ronan Mckenzie. A London-based multidisciplinary creative and the visionary behind Selasi, Mckenzie has redefined what it means to build a brand rooted in authenticity, community, and storytelling. With the launch of her A/W 2025 collection titled “For Ronan”, Selasi enters a profound new chapter—one that is not only sartorial but also deeply personal.

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A Five-Year Evolution: From Gallery Space to Living Brand

Since founding Selasi in 2020 amidst the stillness of lockdown, Mckenzie has gradually evolved the label from a fledgling idea into a mature, soulful fashion house. Formerly the operator of the community-rooted art space Home, which closed in 2023, she has now dedicated herself entirely to Selasi’s growth. What began as an alternative to the rigid constructs of traditional fashion has blossomed into an ecosystem of creative expressions: fashion, print, curation, and floral design all entwined.

At its core, Selasi exists as an emotional and spiritual extension of Mckenzie herself. The name “Selasi,” meaning “God hears me” in Ewe, echoes a journey of introspection and self-belief. Rather than seeking validation from an industry steeped in trends and exclusivity, Mckenzie places trust in personal rhythm and intuitive creation.

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“For Ronan”: A Collection Born from Landscape and Solitude

The A/W 2025 collection is aptly named “For Ronan”—a poetic nod to self-reflection and reclaiming personal space in the creative process. Inspired by a solo trip to Lanzarote, the garments evoke the island’s elemental beauty: pitch-black volcanic sand, stark white architecture, and vivid orange bougainvillaea. These natural influences are translated into a rich palette of earthy textiles like boiled wool, waxed cotton, suede, and leather, layered into sculptural, draped silhouettes that whisper movement and intimacy.

Key designs include:

• The “Claudette” gown is in a vibrant burnt orange, paying homage to Black British artist Claudette Johnson.

• The “Hallie” suit, crafted from structured white technical nylon, offers a modernist edge.

• A reissue of Selasi’s signature Black Rock Jackets and baggy wax-cotton trousers, solidified as archival staples of the brand.

• Accessories, such as a Barbados-shaped canvas bag and tactile driving gloves, explore everyday objects as canvases of storytelling.

“For Ronan” isn’t just a collection; it’s a visual love letter to selfhood, inviting wearers to feel, not just dress.

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Selasi Stories: Where Garments and Print Collide

What sets Selasi apart is its interdisciplinary nature. Alongside the fashion collection, Mckenzie has nurtured a tactile companion project: Selasi Stories, a self-published broadsheet magazine now in its fourth issue. This edition, themed around “summer inspiration,” features intimate conversations with creatives like Srirat Jongsanguandi and Miminat Shodeinde, whose practices centre around tactile and emotional artistry.

In an age of endless scrolling, Selasi Stories champions the printed page—a medium through which Mckenzie invites readers to slow down, reflect, and connect physically with narrative.

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Tender Books Pop-Up: A Living Installation of the Selasi Ethos

On July 31, Selasi unveiled its latest collection through a unique multisensory showcase at Tender Books, an independent bookshop in London. The event blurred the lines between fashion show and community gathering. Floral arrangements—personally curated by Mckenzie at New Covent Garden Flower Market—drenched the space in hues of rust and terracotta, echoing the textures of the clothing.

The experience was intimate and collaborative: curated books, limited-edition bookmarks, and the fourth issue of Selasi Stories were offered. Even Mckenzie’s mother played a role in organising the event—fondly nicknamed “my intern”—a reminder that Selasi is a family-spirited venture, not a faceless fashion operation.

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Selasi’s Manifesto: Emotional Truth Over Trends

What makes Selasi so compelling isn’t merely its designs but its underlying philosophy. Eschewing seasonal trends and commercial excess, Selasi is anchored in slow fashion, emotional depth, and cultural storytelling. It honours Blackness, femininity, and spiritual grounding with intentionality.

From its earliest collections, Selasi embraced earthy, warm tones—particularly deep browns—as a visual tribute to Black skin and a subtle assertion of pride and presence. Mckenzie refuses to follow the conventional wholesale model, favouring limited, mindful production that allows each piece to become a cherished heirloom.

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Summary Table: What Defines Selasi