London Fashion Week…best bits so far
As I mentioned in the last post, I’ve been writing a blog for On|Off, the showcase for new and emerging design talent, at London Fashion Week.
On|Off has produced amazing designers such as Hannah Marshall, Peter Pilloto, Jasper Conran and Pam Hogg. The concept is fresh and unique and it’s amazing to see raw design talent before it hits the big time. The space this year, at Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, is a large warehouse and creates a fabulous backdrop for the fashion exhibitions, installations and catwalk shows…although the press room is a bit cold!
A London Fashion Week highlight, On|Off’s famous bi-annual party, rocked last night- headlined by the Sugar Babes….I’m feeling slightly ropey this morning! Just downing some coffee before I head down to On|Off to start reviewing today’s catwalk shows.
Before I do, thought I’d highlight some of my best bits so far….
Charlie Le Mindu (the hair stylist) kicked off On|Off in true Le Mindu style, a shocking but incredible show which left the audience speechless. There was a religious/occult theme and Charlie showcased amazing wig installations complete with huge crosses on the head, black/blue body paint and veils made from twisted hair.
I also really liked Spanish knitwear designer Ramon Gurillo. Although his show wasn’t such a spectacular, the knitwear was stunning and I could have worn every piece straight off the catwalk.
The shapes were loose and fluid, chunky knits alongside intricate spidery open weave dresses. Exquisite! I could see me and most of my friends lusting after every item..a very wearable collection and perfect for autumn winter. It’s Ramon’s second season at OnOff.
Julian J Smith’s collection was another very commercial, very wearable collection- again I could see myself in a lot of it.
He repeated a 70’s style geometric print in a lot of the pieces, a real statement print where you’d be sure to stand out from the crowd in. Dresses were short, with slashes of vibrant colour against block black. I could imagine myself in lots of them for winter, combined with a lovely pair of chunky tights and boots.
I also loved Belle Sauvage, the label from emerging design duo Virginia Ferreira and Christian Neuman. The show was fantastic, the hair and make-up looked amazing (apparently the hair alone took 2 weeks to do!) and the collection was inspired by industrial imagery found in German expressionism. The show had a very mechanical feel to it, the models walked slowly, almost like robots and the music was very industrial-esque. I loved the shoes, they were huge black, almost cogg-like pieces, reminded me a bit of Alexander McQueen’s sea-urchin inspired shoes from spring 2010.
Will update with more later, looking forward to Pam Hogg and Roksanda Ilincic tomorrow!
fashionbite xx