Colleen Allen

Colleen Allen is the founder and creative director of her namesake womenswear line with a gothic-romantic flair. The designer is known for working historic and religious references into modern and flattering designs, constructed with precision. Allen’s collections are stocked internationally at retailers including Moda Operandi and Net-a-Porter. Allen trained in fashion design at the Parsons The New School of Design in New York and at Central Saint Martins in London. In 2018, she served as an intern at Calvin Klein 205W39NYC, under the creative direction of Raf Simons. She later became a menswear designer at The Row where she fine-tuned her tailoring techniques.

Her designs explore historical garment structures like panniers, crinolines and corsetry, which she recasts through the use of deconstructed menswear suiting. Her debut Autumn/Winter 2024 collection carried inspiration from Louise Bourgeois’ home interiors, featuring draping, textured garments, cocooning gowns and intricate bustle detailing.

In 2024, Allen was selected as a semi-finalist for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers. Her designs have been worn by Nicole Kidman, Lily Allen, Emma Stone and Lady Gaga.