Exhibition Designers

After the show I was done for the day; time for some exploring me thinks, so onwards and upwards to see what the exhibition is all about.

There were some incredible exhibition designers showcasing but their works a few that particularly caught me eye were:

Dean Quinn

Dean Quinn presented an exquisite series of black mini dresses which are sharp, sexy and powerful in appearance. The sheer silk fabric bodies with zigzag embellishment combined with the heavily beaded spiky shoulders added texture and shape. The dresses are bold, daring and unique with a charming designer to match.

Felicity Brown

Felicity Brown with an incredible background in fashion was represented by her brother. Together they exhibited a collection of beautiful handmade silk dresses. Each layer of silk hand pleated creating gorgeous flowing layers of fabric. The multiple layers are cut to different lengths to ensure that they float and move with the body. Each dress is structured inside and holds a unique shape on the outside. The silk fabric is hand died in hues of midnight blue, burnt orange and turquoise on a cream background adding an ultra feminine touch. There was also a collection of printed t-shirts but the dresses beauty cast a shadow over them.

Charlotte Taylor

It was Charlotte Taylor’s infamous penguin print which first caught my attention. The playful yellow penguins on a sky blue background were present throughout the collection. The architectural folds of the fabric on this navy blue cape made it stand out. The burnt orange strips of fabric against the dark blue, combined with the asymmetrical lines of the jacket made this coast fun and feminine. The collection is wearable, elegant and the lines are cut to flatter.

Day Four

There are just two catwalk shows and two presentations, so it is going to be a short day. The first show, Merit Award winner: Hermione de Paula. Having featured in Ones To Watch last season, there were high expectations. She is a print specialist and her first collection showcased a selection of delicate beautiful hand painted feminine designs. I wonder what this year will bring.

The collection ‘Ploy-Crystalline’ was inspired by an experiment with ice which explains the ice queen persona that echoed throughout. Sharp bobs with straight cut fringes in hues of ash, gold, purple rinse and red, teamed with the block eye make up and dark plum lips add a strong, sexy feminine edge.

The cold colour palette was made up of black, white, iceberg blue and frozen pink. The collection was laced with Hermoines signature patterned fabric. Black and white rose print added to the icy montage while the dresses hugged the figure and were consciously cut to outline the female form, focusing on the breast and hip area. Plastic panels and bodices made for a rather risqué queen of the ice.

Day Three

Day Off!!!

Jasper Garvida

Jasper Garvida - winner of project runway in 2008 finished off day two. Everyone was buzzing with excitement and the catwalk was packed as the likes of Sophie Anderton, Liz McClaron and Beverly Knight awaited the much anticipated Garvida. I had a great spot right at the end of the catwalk with the photographers.

As the Jazz music begun playing the first model stepped out in a marble green and black dress which included gold zip detailing down the back. The black trilbies, deep plum red lips and leather gloves added volumes of glamour.

Variations of Art Deco inspired jackets in black, silver and emerald green and mini-dresses with loosely hung sleeves were strutted down the runway. Silk harem pants in neutral pastels and woollen jumpers broke up the collection showing a softer side.

Next a series of psychedelic patterned skirts teamed with white shirts and leather jackets were strutted down the runway. The collection then moved into a smoky palette of fitted dresses with sequins, embellishments and woollen jumpers were thrown into the mix. Finally, evening wear, luxurious floor lengths silk gowns with some with bird feather textures and others with sharp pointed shoulders, dropped backs completed the show.

The vibe after the show was a little disappointing the collection didn’t quite live up to the anticipated expectations. It is this little intern’s day off tomorrow so I feel dinner and cocktails are in order.

Sado

Sado’s - collection featured soft, comfy woollen jumpers in shades of black, cream and grey. Teaming these with black leggings, leather boots and a bag made an overall ready to wear look. Running with the theme lovely big black woollen capes and jackets were worn over a cream woollen dress and patterned leggings. To add texture and keep the look unique, layers of ribbon in red and blue were used to create interesting leggings and loosely draped dress flattering the body.

Day Two

With my camera attached to me, holding on to it for dear life, I am now ready to start another fun filled day of goodie bags, ushering and most excitingly the shows. House of Blue Eyes was first on the agenda; it was a presentation that had stirred up a lot of interest.




As I was standing waiting for the show to begin I suddenly became engulfed in a multi-colour huddled of glitter and mayhem. As Jonny Blue Eyes screamed down the hall way ‘WORK IT, WORK IT!’ it begged the question is this a run through? No the show had begun, this was the show! It was reminiscent of a parade or festival, colourful, lively and fun, a little rough around the edges for a catwalk show. The clothes passed me by but it was the performance that had me glued. The models walked back up the runway, one with a dog dangling from her arm – madness! Once again I became surrounded by a rainbow of colour with no signs of a way out. I over heard his kind words which left me walking away with a smile.

During all the Jonny Blue Eyes craziness Iris Van Herpen was the focus point downstairs in the catwalk room. It was apparently amazing, gutted!

Ones to Watch

One of my favourite shows all week was, Ones To Watch, four collections were showcased ASKH, David Longshaw, Eudon Choi, Florencia Kozuch. Each collection was different with its own personality and each were equally as striking as the next.

ASKH

ASKH - the collection was clean and fresh with a neutral colour scheme. The best piece was a nude skin tight body with strings of fabric draping from high around the neck down the body and across the sides front and arms. It was beautiful, sexy and interesting.

David Longshaw

David Longshaw - used rich blues to create an impact on the runway, with cut away shapes and lighter tones to accentuate the shape. The shoulders were big and embellished with silver and gold gems.

Eudon Choi

Eudon Choi - the collection took you back to Mother Nature with natural tones of green, brown and beige. The series of mackintoshes, waders and woollen jumpers added an outdoors feel to the whole collection.

Florencia Kozuch

Florencia Kozuch - was my personal favourite; the large rimmed hats added the lost glamour that I love. Black strappy heels with yellow, red and purple pompoms on were worn throughout the collection. Looped knits added shape whilst remaining soft and comfortable looking. Big woollen scarf’s and mop like shoulders added an extra dimension to the collection.

All four designers were innovative, creative and fresh which all showed completely differing collections that were both memorable and made it one of the best shows of the week.