The BAM Collective Autumn/Winter 2025: DYNAMISM 24/25

Images sourced from safashionweek.co.za and The Bam Collective

Season after season, The BAM Collective brings us innovative cuts and silhouettes that exude elegance and distinctiveness, and their Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection — which is already available to purchase online — is no different. Inspired by “identity-formation”, Jacques Bam titled this collection “DYNAMISM 24/25” to portray the complex and transformative essence of human nature. According to Bam, this line draws on elements from nature to signify “our individual evolution and relation to the environment and society surrounding us”.

By fusing elements of nature and fashion, the BAM Collective’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection celebrates self-expression and individuality. This is further highlighted by the inclusivity of their models as well as the sizing of their garments. The collection is categorised according to different biological concepts that have been creatively interwoven into the garments.

The Veil range blends modern with romantic, showcasing contemporary silhouettes adorned with frilly layers of lace. In nature, veils are typically broken through allowing for growth and transformation, just as people transcend through different stages of their lives. The use of both structured and flowy elements further highlight this transformative symbolism, presenting a sense of balance and embodying the fusion between the different dimensions of the self. The delicate lace on the garments also evoke an almost ethereal image of a veil of mist, enhancing the romantic aesthetic of the r

ange.

Focusing on silhouette, the Synthesis range, which references pieces from BAM’s Extraterrestrialism 23/24 collection, presents a refreshing take on the bubble hem, tying together fitted tailoring and volume. This perfectly encapsulates the title of the range which, similar to the Veil range, symbolises the uniting of disparate elements of one's self into a harmonious and meaningful whole. Typically, traditional fashion norms advise against fuller bodies wearing voluminous clothing, but the BAM Collective challenges these standards: The Synthesis pieces were showcased on plus size models, emphasising a key principle of the collection, which is, according to Bam, to “evoke confidence and inspire unapologetic self-awareness”.

Like the Synthesis dress, the Gust dress, was also featured on a plus size model, once again highlighting the importance of individuality. The waves are beautifully incorporated by use of BAM’s signature scalloped accents on the vertical seams of the garments, as seen in previous collections. The word “gust” brings to mind a sharp breeze, and BAM’s distinctive 3D-like scallops evoke a sense of movement, reminiscent of the wind. The wind often symbolises freedom and change which links back to the theme of the collection.

Through a unique oscillating print, which also mimics the BAM Collective’s signature scallops, the Hydro and “Shore” range innovatively incorporate movement into denim, which is typically a rigid fabric. The print also subtly embodies 60s and 70s optical art which created the illusion of movement through abstract patterns. This is also a nod to BAM Collective’s previous collection, which was inspired by Kinetic and Optical Art. Both “hydro” and “shore” allude to water, and the flowy pattern of the garments are very much reminiscent of water as well as the wave-like water lines of shores. This beautifully captures the development of the self as water is often associated with movement, growth and energy, while shores serve as the border between land and water, signifying individual transition.

With the exception of the trousers which do not feature a print, the Ore range also cleverly references BAM’s distinctive waves by means of a gold vein-like print. This pattern is resonant with the grooves and lines seen in rocks and ores while the choice of colour and fabric of the range evoke luxury and opulence. The title of the range brings forth a sense of transformation as ores often undergo a change into more valuable metals, much like individual growth. The ore itself symbolises the earth, representing a sense of grounding, an important concept in personal development.

With its lustrous gold colour and statuesque silhouettes, the Bouquet range also exudes luxury. Bouquets often allude to flowers, which are a beautiful representation of our ability to blossom as individuals as well as our uniqueness and individuality. Two pieces from the range feature voluminous, frill detail that capture the shape of a flower, highlighting the name of the range.

The Extrusion range features show-stopping, statement pieces that innovatively uses eyelets, yarn and beads to create both structure and movement. The placement of the yarn constructs shape on the garment while the yarn and beads produce a sense of movement. The title of the range fits perfectly with the garments that appear to be “extruding” the yarn from within. In nature, extrusion signifies the movement and expulsion of materials much like the journey of the self where release and detachment are inevitable.

The leggings, gloves and earrings that were featured on the runway were also part of the Dynamism 24/25 Collection. The pieces are versatile, adding a touch of whimsy to any outfit. The beaded detail, especially in the resin of the earrings, are somewhat evocative of a petri dish filled with cells under a microscope; an inventive way of symbolising the building blocks of life, perfectly encapsulating the title of the collection.