Whisking the audience away to Seville, Spain, Garvida drew inspiration from Georges Bizet’s opera – Carmen, a story of a gypsy girl who falls in love with a bullfighter, to the anguish of a smitten soldier from her past who once let her escape to his own detriment. As perhaps expected from a collection based on a tale of fearless passion between young lovers, the Pilipino designer departs from his standard monochrome palette and finds an infatuating balance between the classic Mediterranean blue and sensual red as he takes a modern spin on traditional costumes and the prominent 19th century blue hand printed tiles. The evening saw a return to the Grand Connaught Rooms where Fashion Finest London showcased three fantastic up and coming ready-to-wear collections by Miss Magou, J’QLYN and Exclusively Yours. First up was Miss Magou‘s 2014 Silk Road Collection, which boasted colourful prints and textiles. Models channeled vacation vibes in their sunglasses, the flowy kaftans, tunics and dresses ideal for a beach or cruise holiday. Semi-concealed were vibrant bikinis and baroque patterned one-piece bathing suits. Each look matched with a headscarf to compliment the outfit, the collection was bursting with abundant playful energy. The rookie J’QLYN collection took it up a notch in evening wear with a contemporary twist. The details were remarkable, ranging from the
unexpected back details of the first gown to the texture of the skirts and capes. Colour blocking added a hint of eccentricity, as did the checkered and scarf print patterns. Lacey gloves, lace tops, flowers in the hair and mysterious masquerade masks – romance dominated the stage as Exclusively Yours took over. Day three featured a Little Shilpa Presentation at the Freemason Hall, the second of the eponymous label by Mumbai born milliner and accessory designer Shilpa Chavan through Fashion Scout. Known not to shy away from toying with the augmented vision of reality, the talent who can include Lady Gaga as an avid fan, wowed with a black noir alternative spectrum of fantasy. Six stoic doll-like models conveyed Maleficient-like vibes in a dimly lit room as haunting clips were projected onto the screen behind. Their bodies theatrically clothed, art meets fashion in a dramatic display of gothic overtones. Headpieces are adorned with what resembles crow feathers, curtain beads and fine lace flowers en masse. Refreshing, daring and modern, it is no wonder that London Fashion Week is known for sparking innovation and attracting creative talent. Written by: I Yune Hoe
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Mess Magazine