Riccardo Tisci reveals the first design under his own label for 17 years

Riccardo Tisci has unveiled the first design under his own label for 17 years; a custom-made gown for Emmy and BAFTA award winner Michaela Coel to wear for the London premiere of her new film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. 

Until September of this year Tisci had been chief creative officer of British luxury house Burberry and prior to that had been Creative Director of Givenchy in Paris from 2005 to 2017. He stood down from Burberry and was replaced by British designer Daniel Lee.

Tisci has now begun designing under his own label once more and the gown for Coel was the result of a close collaboration between Tisci, the actress, writer and director Coel and her mother, who shared influences and references to inform the design.

In Tisci's signature all-black, the gown features a stretch silk bodysuit with multi-layered Chantilly lace skirt in a combination of floral and starred designs. The look was completed with bespoke black floral lace tights and black sandals, also by Riccardo Tisci.

Riccardo Tisci said: “When Michaela approached me to work together, we knew this premiere in London – a city so close to both of us – would be the best moment to bring our conversations to life in a very special way. It felt like the perfect time to celebrate Riccardo Tisci, the House that brought me so many opportunities and which led me to where I am today.”

Michaela Cole in the custom Riccardo Tisci gown, tights and shoes. Image: Rowben Lantion

Michaela Coel added: “Riccardo is my amore. To become a part of this moment in which his career comes full circle is a nourishing experience. Sono grato. Having Riccardo welcome a creative collaboration with my mother, who has made many of my dresses since my birth, displays a remarkable confidence and humility in his craft.”

Italian designer Tisci has a strong affinity with the British capital having studied fashion at Central Saint Martins. He currently resides in London.

Coel is one of the leading lights of British stage and screen having won numerous awards for her hit TV series, I MAY DETROY YOU. Coel is the first black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology series and featured in Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People of 2020.

She is currently starring in the Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the anticipated sequel to the 2018 blockbuster.

Main image: Riccardo Tisci and Michaela Coel by Rowben Lantion.