MIMI WADE
Mimi Wade’s London Fashion Week debut saw her take inspiration from Hollywood legends, Faye Dunaway, Marianne Faithfull and Catherine Denevue. Her presentation kicked off Fashion East as you entered the Topshop Showspace. Her collection was an ode to badass women, the ones who push social boundaries and challenge people’s misconstrued expectations about them.
Mimi’s army of models wore an array of leather dominating outfits, with each look just us strong as the one beside it. There’s no denying Mimi’s craft with the detailing that went into every piece. Every print had been carefully and beautifully hand painted, spray painted and screen printed to create the unique motifs decorating her collection. From mini leather dresses, slip dresses with lace detailing, fitted leather jackets and fur collar coats, the former CSM graduate proved by she’s one to watch in coming seasons.
RICHARD MALONE
There’s something about stripes that capture one’s love. For Richard Malone it was the memory of his godmother arriving to his Holy Communion in a zebra print dress with a shaved head and tattoos peering out through her dress. Malone wanted to convey the shameless, strong and empowering sense that comes through from being your own person.
Silhouettes were kept feminine and colours were bright. Malone created an assortment of garments which included floor length pinafores, flared dungarees with side splits, flared trousers with oversized and patchwork pockets all in optical illusion stripe print. Emphasises on high necks was clear throughout the collection with all tops and jumpers having turtlenecks and jackets funnel necks. Looks that didn’t include high necks gave the same impression with stripy skinny scarves acting as chokers. Ruffles continued to make an appearance in Malone’s collection with the standout piece being a jumper with oversized ruffled sleeves.
CAITLYN PRICE
This was Caitlyn Price’s third season with Fashion East and her collection showcased why she continued to have the support from Lulu Kennedy. Her collection is a modern representation of the current love that has increased of mixing sportswear with party wear. Caitlyn’s fascination with nightlife is something that has progressed over seasons.
Large outerwear is worn bare and cut outs are a popular aspect in various garments. Skirts have thigh high splits and the boob tube makes a triumphant return. Faux fur decorates jackets and skirt hemlines whilst Caitlyn’s usual love of a pastel colour palette is mixed with a prominent use of the colour black. Each look is finished off with trainers and a collaboration with jewellery designer Maria Francesca Pepe makes for a thick chain and heart pendant.
AV ROBERTSON
Making her London Fashion Week debut, Amie Robertson’s AW16 collection was a true showstopper. Her collection tells the story of her childhood dreams making for something of another world in the most glamorous sense. A former design assistant to Marc Jacobs got full support from her mentor with him sat front row to show support and with Katie Grand on styling this proved to be the one debut to watch.
It was gothic and dramatic with a touch of sci-fi. The dark palette of the collection took shape in flared trousers, fitted skirts, and maxi dresses. Stripes came off in all directions and sizes and the mix-matching of them made the perfect linear background. Dishevelled coats made for standout outfits, whether they were coming off one arm, tied at the waist or worn backwards, it added to the personality of the show. To whoever said florals and stripes could work didn’t see Amie’s embellishments. Floral appliques were sewn on stripped tops, coats and skirts. The use of block colours made for a flawless combination with the stripes. Satin boots in a knee length completed the looks of young Robertson’s mind. If the show wasn’t show stopping enough the supermodel line-up definitely helped to push it that even further level. Models included Edie Campbell, Molly Bair, Georgia May Jagger, Liniesy Montero and Lili Sumner.
Words by: Daniela Suarez
Photos: Claudia Rocha
