aestheticcontradiction

LFW A/W 14 PART 3, Ones to watch

Ones to watch is one of my favourite shows. I love seeing designers with a fresh perspective and also enjoy the fact that there are multiple designers in one show. I always love variety and it’s a lot more convenient than having to go outside a queue again before being allowed in to see the next show.

The “ones to watch” showcase comprised of 4 designers’ collections and I have chosen my two favourites to feature on here.

sarah ryanFirst up is Sarah Ryan. I suppose this is quite a predictable choice for me, as I love monochrome, texture and attention to detail.

Sarah Ryan’s primary interests lie in the marriage of the extraordinary & the functional, using adverse textiles and materials to create an informed & intriguing silhouette.

Her collection ‘Auryn’, had a nomadic, utilitarian feel, heavily featuring multi-textured blacks and over-sized bags.

The most intriguing and aesthetically pleasing aspect of the collection was definitely the woven leather accessories, which I had the pleasure of seeing up close in the show room. I love the use of different weaving techniques and the way they look organic and structured at the same time.

sarahryandetails

GEORGE STYLERThe second collection I chose to feature is by George Styler. It was definitely the most vibrant and colourful range of the season.

Serbian designer, George Styler graduated from the college of textile design in Belgrade. His style has previously been described as “World Ethno” and I can definitely see why.

His high-impact designs featured a variety of bold colours and sparkling embellishments in Russian-inspired motifs and 3D flower patterns.

He has successfully mixed elements of traditional garments with a playful, cyber princess vibe, creating a memorable and intriguing collection.

The hair and make up was the same for all the “ones to watch” shows but Styler transformed the models using intricately braided head pieces. Hair and make up is often a key part of the look and as a designer myself I understand the importance of making sure it complements the garments and reinforces your vision.

What I wore:a15

Thanks to Toria for the pic.

I loved this outfit but it was such a busy day I didn’t have time to get a full length photo, maybe next time.

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aestheticcontradiction

London fashion week AW 14/15 PART 1.

I’ve just returned from my trip to LFW and will be sharing this season’s experiences with you in diary style posts. I have decided to present our adventures in 3 parts to keep them short, sweet and interesting.

The night before we left was stormy and there was a brief moment when it seemed like we weren’t going to be able to make it down, but by the morning trains were running again and we arrived in London with just 20 minutes behind schedule.

Our first stop was Lucinda Sinclair’s studio where the Vauhaus girls shot for Sanctus on a windy roof top.

bts1Left to right: Amber, myself, Lucinda, Toria and Hazel.

I shot for one of their previous lines about a year ago and you can see the shoot here but it was nice to get the opportunity to meet Lucinda in person and hang out.

The next morning we headed to our first show all together. It was raining. I found myself wishing I’d brought a selection of outerwear so my street-style photos didn’t all end up looking the same but alas, my suitcase was heavy enough already.

My outfit:

wall1wall3wall2Hat: Asos, Shirt: H&M, lace blazer: Ebay, pleated maxi skirt: Jane Norman, quartz necklace: handmade, feather necklace: Richard Ayres, body jewellery: Bodyjewelleryshop.com

Thanks to Amber for the pics.

Our first show of the season was Jaime Wei Huang. The young designer presented a modern collection with many contrasting elements but a sleek, consistent feel. She was inspired by the film “the Pianist” and specifically the characters behind the refugees.

jaime wei huangOpposites really inspire me in general so I’m always happy to see a collection with juxtaposing features. Huang mixed heavy and light fabrics, utilitarian features with classic silhouettes and masculine shapes on the female form.

The mood of the show was quite sombre and the models walked quietly and spaced out, allowing viewers to take a good look at the garments but maybe also the character beneath, perhaps a glimmer of the of the refugee’s pre-war identity .

Key features such as the trapper hats, oversized funnel collars and thick buckled straps recreate the resourcefulness of war and show how necessity can form fashion statements.

P1010186-1024x902A lot of the pieces in this collection are highly wearable and would make practical but eye-catching wardrobe staples. My personal favourites are the textured leather gillette and the black jacket.

After the show, I also got the chance to briefly meet Pandemonia Panacea and snowy.

1780799_589915891085833_1269690304_nHere’s the whole team and what we wore.

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