Today seemed too have lasted a life time, taxi’s here, queuing there, models falling like dominos; it was a fashionably mental (and I loved it). My morning started with my first fashion show at 9.30am, Bernard Chandran. His collection consisted of metallic fabrics, some with embellishment, easy to wear shapes with nipped in waists, soft dramatic shoulder details. This being the plus side, the down side being that several of the models could not walk on the run way, some fell (badly) -so badly in fact that they did not come out for the final walk. This added drama was a distraction throughout the whole presentation despite the collection being fabulous.
I could only think of one salvation – Craig Lawrence. I have been a lover of his work for the past two seasons, it is simply stunning. There are very few new designers that I would place on the same platform as McQueen but Craig is one of them. For someone who is considered a young designer he is exceptionally talented. Instead of a crammed tight fashion show full of people scrambling for seats Craig decided to take a modern approach – a presentation, in a beautify lit room, with a balcony serving Bloody Mary’s - delicious. The clothes have his signature trade mark – lots of hand detailed work, using the colour pallet of white and khaki, based on the ideology of mermaids & the seductive mythology of ancient Greece. The models were chic and elegant and moved gracefully trying to please everyone with a camera; the presentation was a complete success. If you can’t quite sum up my enthusiasm I’ll put it to you like this, if I was an addict Craig Lawrence would be my fix.
(Pictures by Simone La-Rose)
The Emilio de la Morena show was taking place at the Lexington Garage, Brewer Street the invite said. And what is funny I didn’t question it until I was standing outside a car park with a load of super fashionista’s. We all marched in (once given the all clear by the lady with the guest list and the oversize Chanel bag) climbed four or five flights of stairs to a large open space room and what was strange about this room was that you didn’t feel that you were in a car park at all, this space had large windows and as it was a bright day the sunlight complemented everybody. The music started and the show began. The models walked as if they all owned those Charlotte Olympia shoes, the dress flowed beautifully and the colour pallet was to die for, an ice cream sorbet, mint greens, honey yellows, soft corals, power blues all mixed in the most elegant way. The collection had something for everybody, it was by far the most beautiful collection I have seen from Emilio which of course I am really happy about – the down side is that I now have to decide which piece I’m going to purchase, decisions decisions.
As soon as the third look hit the runway I completely understood the Charles Anastase show- it was good French girl gone bad, just like that, the mood of the show changed, the music which was by Juan Cho Sanguino became more dramatic. The main print for the show which matched the invite was a soft collage of pastel colours, some pieces had floral others were solid block colours, some of the models wore large yet soft ruffle necklines, the stage had plant pots and the show gave a hint of metallic. Soft and romantic, with light weight fabrics this easy to wear collection is a must have for most women next summer.
Running into Mrs. Burstein (owner of Browns) is always a pleasure, she is by far the ultimate fashionista, and so notorious in fact John Galliano requested her presence back stage at the Fashion Fringe show. Galliano was first discovered by Mrs B. (this is her fashion nickname) he owes most of his success to her and besides business they are dear friends. The Fashion Fringe show was the best way to end the night, an underground room full of with fashion elite were all present to witness who will be crowned by John Galliano as this year’s winner. The concept of Fashion Fringe was the brain child of Colin McDowell MBE (the creative director) and IMG Fashion. Each finalist is given an in-depth two month long introduction, during which advisors from fashion and lifestyle industry consult, inform and coach new designers to be stainable within the business element, but let’s not forget the final three designers will receive a budget to showcase their collection. One designer is then selected and supported for their first two fundamental years of running a business. This year’s three finalists were Alice Palmer, Corrie Nielsen and Jade Kang. Each designer (in my opinion) deserved to win each collection just as fabulous as the last. After the show the reception area on the ground floor held a party; cocktails flowed and so did a selection of food from Wagamama. Soon after that, a rush of people came from downstairs (John Galliano was in the centre) and he announced the winner – Corrie Nielsen.
Simone La-Rose
Pictures by Adam Richardson
