SS25 Looks Copy

SAGABOI'S JOURNEY OF IMMIGRATION AND RESISTANCE

Since its inception, Sagaboi has embraced the narrative of immigration, from forced displacement through slavery to the contributions of immigrants helping to build nations not originally their own. This ethos has been a recurring theme in Cooper's work, embodied by the brand's iconic Product of Immigration slogan tee, designed a decade ago. Today, Sagaboi takes its place on the world stage, both in London for a catwalk show on the rooftop of The Broadcaster and on the official Milan Fashion Week calendar with a show with Global Fashion Collective and a presentation, bringing its message of cultural pride to two global fashion capitals.

INSPIRED BY GLOBAL EVENTS AND IMMIGRATION MOVEMENTS

The Out and Bad collection emerges from Geoff’s reflections on the far-right riots in the UK, the increasing hostility toward Venezuelan refugees in South America and the Caribbean, and the wider unwelcoming climate for immigrants globally, including in the United States. “These movements made me reflect on my own feelings of imposter syndrome, and I wanted to create a collection that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt displaced, unwelcomed, or like they don’t belong.”

This global perspective, influenced by Cooper's own immigrant experience in New York and London, is woven into the fabric of the collection. Sagaboi’s ethos has always drawn from the cultural fusion of the diaspora, rooted in a history of migration – from forced displacement through slavery and indentured labour to modern immigration driven by dreams of opportunity. Out and Bad captures the spirit of these journeys, telling a story of resistance, pride, and power.

The Italian immigrant experience in the US in the 1800s also influenced the collection. The 
struggles the story of Italian immigrants in New York reflect similar battles faced by immigrants worldwide – seeking to belong while being "othered" in a foreign land. Cooper’s time living in New York adds depth to this narrative as he draws parallels between his own story and the experiences of countless immigrants, past and present.

CARNIVAL AS PROTEST AND CELEBRATION

Drawing energy from the vibrant traditions of Carnival across the Caribbean and the Notting Hill Carnival in the UK, Out and Bad taps into the unapologetic celebration of freedom. "Carnival was born out of the celebration of emancipation—out of a demand to take up space," Cooper notes. "This collection is a tribute to that spirit of rebellion and self-expression. It’s about showing up, being seen, and being heard." The SS25 collection channels the energy of Carnival, a historical act of rebellion where ex-slaves celebrated their newfound freedom. 

The colour palette bursts with bold hues inspired by Carnival's revelry—a crimson red, fandango fuchsias, vibrant yellow, deep blues, and bright greens—balanced by grounding anchor tones of black and white. The pieces embody the confidence, resilience, and swagger of Caribbean culture and the broader immigrant experience, using fashion as a form of protest.

FASHION AS A TOOL FOR CULTURAL RESONANCE

As a continuation of Sagaboi's creative exploration of the steel pan, a Caribbean instrument born from struggle, this season, the pan stick motif takes centre stage across shirts, skirts, jackets, and trousers. At the heart of the collection is the Pan Stick motif, referencing the steel pan. Cooper, continuing his exploration of the steel pan as a fashion code, brings the Pan Stick to life across shirts, jackets, skirts, and trousers. " The steel pan is a Caribbean invention that turned hardship into art and music. The Pan Stick was created to make noise. I wanted to give the Sagaboi man and woman the ability to 'make their own noise'—to create their own sound in the world and take up space unapologetically,” says Cooper.

Crochet remains a key element of Sagaboi’s oering with the celebration of handcrafted island crochet, crafted exclusively by women crocheters in the Caribbean. Silhouettes for Out and Bad include sensually confident women’s dresses, as well as bold men’s and women’s knitwear – pieces that evoke both the island's fashion culture and the handiwork of those preserving its traditions.

THE VILLAGE PRINT RETURNS

First introduced in AW24, Sagaboi’s Village Print makes a powerful return this season in primary hues of red, yellow, green, and blue, a departure from the pastels of the previous collection. The print continues to encapsulate the essence of the Caribbean, featuring iconic West Indian architecture, tropical flora, and everyday life woven together in vibrant patterns. The print, seen across suiting skirts and shirts, serves as a wearable tribute to Caribbean communities and the lively spirit of island life.

CULTURAL COLLABORATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Sagaboi’s commitment to collaboration continues with dynamic partnerships in Out and Bad. This season, Sagaboi’s accessories make a statement with the return of the steel pan bag in striking silver, evoking the look of the instrument itself, and hand-painted mini village totes in green and red. The bags were designed in collaboration with Ukrainian accessories brand ÈTAPE, fusing style with cultural symbolism and supporting the artist community in Kyiv and Odesa. The bags, pulsating with vibrant hues, honour the shared resilience between the Caribbean and Ukraine.

In footwear, the collection introduces a dynamic range with a rugged yet refined edge. The fisherman sandals, created in partnership with Haus by Everton, bring a grounded Caribbean authenticity to the collection’s aesthetic. These sandals fuse traditional island wear with modern functionality—crafted with supple leather, designed for durability, and subtly detailed with brass hardware reminiscent of coastal life. The design evokes both casual sophistication and the resilience of Caribbean craftsmanship, creating a statement piece for the wearer’s journey. Also seen on the runway was a fresh take on the Converse All Star Construct high-top sneaker. Cooper innovatively fused coconut raffia into the sole, offering a creative mash-up between the espadrille and the iconic Converse silhouette. This fusion of the familiar and the unexpected reflects Cooper’s approach of reimagining classic forms through a Caribbean lens, bringing a sense of effortless island cool to the runway. The eyewear featured on the runway came from People From Barbados, a Caribbean brand known for its bold, stylish frames that perfectly align with Sagaboi’s ethos of cultural pride and defiant identity. The sunglasses added an extra layer of island cool, fusing practicality and fashion with a tropical flair.

The brand also debuts jewellery created in collaboration with Rae Hugh Designs. Each piece features a coral charm, symbolizing protection from life's turbulent waves and recycled glass elements, emphasizing sustainability and the connection between culture and environmental responsibility.

Sagaboi’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship is further reflected in its thoughtful use of materials. Cooper leaned into upcycled and deadstock fabrics, adding an eco-conscious layer to the brand's ethos, which is steeped in cultural preservation and environmental responsibility. This blend of cultural symbolism and eco-conscious design encapsulates Sagaboi’s dedication to crafting pieces that resonate with heritage while looking toward a sustainable future.

Sagaboi continues its sonic journey with BLAKGOLD, building on last season’s collaboration with a new, electrifying anthem titled SAGABOI Riddim. This track channels heady vibes and pulsates with infectious island energy of soca and dancehall, infusing the SS25 collection with a rhythm designed to get bodies moving. An upbeat, visceral soundscape, SAGABOI Riddim blends deep basslines with the unmistakable sway of the Caribbean, creating a soundtrack that embodies the spirit of both rebellion and celebration.

The track’s hypnotic beats and driving pulse transform the runway into a living, breathing performance, inviting each step to become part of a larger dance. With syncopated rhythms and Carnival feels, SAGABOI Riddim immerses the listener in a sonic journey that marries the rich tradition of Caribbean sound with a forward-looking, rebellious twist. It’s more than just a soundtrack—it’s a call to movement and expression—a Caribbean anthem of joy, defiance, pride, and unstoppable movement.

A CALL TO EMBRACE IDENTITY

With Out and Bad, Sagaboi challenges wearers to embrace their full selves, especially in spaces where they may feel marginalized or unwelcome. “We have one life. To live it in spaces we’re called to—or forced to—occupy, we must be unapologetically ourselves. That’s the essence of Out and Bad,” says Cooper.

Sagaboi’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection is more than a fashion statement—it’s a declaration of identity, cultural pride, and the right to exist boldly and freely in a world that often seeks to suppress difference.