When Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard first met while sharing a studio, they had no idea their shared education at Central Saint Martins—along with Lucile’s internship at Marc Jacobs and Paolina’s at Margiela—would quickly turn into one of London’s most exciting young fashion labels. After launching in 2021, the duo achieved major recognition just two years later: they became semifinalists for the LVMH Prize, finalists for the Woolmark Prize, and secured a spot in 1 Granary’s mentorship program.

“We’re very solutions-focused,” Russo said over Zoom, fresh from their launch at Dover Street Market in London and a trip across Asia that included presentations at ComplexCon Hong Kong and a stop in Seoul.

Their latest collection, The Ballad of Ramona Boulevard, blends medieval influences, corsetry, and “2010s Tumblr aesthetics” into a modern suburban fairytale. Think warrior princesses wrapped in protective purple, guided by a Tamagotchi-turned-compass in gold and crystals. The designs reflect the duo’s own small-town roots and the feeling of navigating an uncertain world.

Knitwear is their specialty, and standout pieces this season reimagined traditional techniques—like a cable-knit corset with high-cut sides or lenticular prints that merge handcraft with machine production. Gold-foiled fabrics and denim pieces, including a pleated miniskirt and baggy jeans, drew inspiration from heraldry, while sheer tulle prints and scribbled heart-and-star motifs—popular with K-pop stars—added playful touches.

Collaboration is key for Russo and Guilmard. They worked with a Portuguese manufacturer on hand-sprayed, laser-etched jeans made using eco-friendly water systems, and teamed up with Converse this season on knee-high sneaker boots and wedges dyed to match their warrior-inspired prints. Even their digital projects honor craftsmanship—when designing virtual outfits for Roblox, they found that the meticulous detail required in real life translated just as much into the digital space.

“We love that back-and-forth,” Russo said, referring to the blend of physical and virtual creativity. “We want people to connect with the process behind the design.” Given their rapid rise, it seems they’ve found their rhythm.