Back from the first day of the Alternative Fashion Show at Spitalfields Market, London. This is the place where young new designers can show their collections and hope to be discovered.
The audience was eclectic and lively; the designs ranged from entertaining to dreamy; the models were not stick thin; the surrounding market stalls were teeming with clothes and accessories to buy and there were plenty of places to eat. All in all, a great day out.
What was showing on the catwalk?:
Shuttlecocks to be the next hair accessory??? Well I hear pompoms are to be a hit as this autumn/winter trend so why not shuttlecocks? These were featured in City & Islington College’s collection who took their inspiration from the ”Fashion Vs Sports” exhibition at the V&A. White lace tights, white lace skirts / blouses, pink t shirts and white lycra shorts – all teamed up with the pink and white shuttle cocks giving a cute fun girlie feel.
Victorian Goth made an appearance in Gemma Garnham’s collection. Lots of black lace, black leather, long white cotton shirts all worn with macho flat boots. The leather kept the look sultry, the lace feminine and the boots edgy. Loved the exaggerated puff on the sleeves.
Spooky black or white masks were worn by both male and female models in Manjit Sangha’s debut collection called unprecious & unruly, the backstabbers of couture. White t-shirts sported designs and large American football style shoulders; leggings or cycle shorts were mostly black wet look; and the jewellery was large square or triangular plain cardboard boxes worn as bangles.
Rubberwear caused a stir in Robert Miller’s Pretty Pervy collection. Styles included a peplum jacket and pencil skirt, Wild West saloon style dress and body con dresses. The models were plus sizes, oozed sexual confidence and looked like they were having a good time.
After all that hot rubber, Laura Booty’s collection was a cool romantic breeze of loosely flowing dresses embellished with discarded nick-knacks and unwanted rubbish as an alternative to gems. Recycling at its most glamorous.
Men were not forgotten – Aaron Ray Dowie went for “Lord of the Estate” country elegance. Colours were brown and neutrals – fit for a Duke.
Punk rock meets prima ballerina was brought by Cassie Kogler from New York. Not so sure about the gold metal embellished leggings – you have to have very skinny legs to pull them off.
Knitwear never looked so sexy. Amelia Palmer’s collection certainly did with its intricate pleats and folds. Loved the cardigans.
Amazonian rainforest hues were the colours for Chantal Gibbs-Jones evening dresses. Her designs exaggerated and enhanced the female silhouette. You’d definitely be the Belle of the Ball in one of these creations.
I had my favourites, but the question is who will be the fashion industry’s favourite?
Karen Grace – Personal Shopper & Image Consultant for frumpy to funky.
Call for consultations on 07787 800 390
More details through the website: www.frumpytofunky.com
frumpy to funky was established by Karen Grace, an affiliate member of the Federation of Image Consultants.
Karen has studied Personal Styling at the London College of Fashion and received her professional training in one of the London’s leading Image Consultancy training centre.
More details can be seen on www.frumpytofunky.com
