London Fashion Week SS15 highlights: Day 1
London Fashion Week kicked off with two buzzy new names. Faustine Steinmetz showed as part of New Gen with her first presentation, a clever exploration of couture and branding, set in the suitably arty ICA.
I’m so impressed by this young designer, whose obsession for hands-on labour and figuring things out results in mind boggling textile experiments. On display were denim-look jackets of polyester styled out like Shibori (“It’s not Shibori at all! I actually handpainted it, I just like that look,” Steinmetz told me), and a jeans-n-jacket combo made from unravelled layers of upcycled denim creating a tufty fringe effect. “The final results don’t interest me as much as the process,” Steinmetz admitted. “It’s like when you watch those videos of someone like Jean-Paul Gaultier going tchh tchh tchh [imitates frenzied couturier] before the show. That’s the bit I love!” Look closely and Steinmetz’s models had the best jewellery ever – security tags, and kimbal tags realised in sterling silver, a collaboration with jeweller, Niomo.
FAUSTINE STEINMETZ
Later on, there was an enthusiastic turnout for newbie Hannah Weiland’s Shrimps presentation (top and below), a beautifully styled array of (very real looking) faux fur gilets, jackets, boas and accessories in sunshine yellow and pastel pink. The styling was impeccable, with dainty pearl-like earrings, furry bag charms and fuzzy footwear by Sophia Webster.
SHRIMPS SS15
I also enjoyed tea and brownies at The Gentlewoman’s reader event to launch the new issue, plus a proper American-style bash (read: generous budget) for the opening of Club Monaco in Sloane Square. Can you tell the brand is owned by Ralph Lauren…?
TEA WITH THE GENTLEWOMAN
COCKTAILS WITH CLUB MONACO
One more highlight: my Vogue.com debut. Read where me and my blog buddies hang out in this fashion week round-up by Lena Casparis…
16 September, 2014 @ 5:53 pm
Just picked up an issue of The Gentlewoman– deciding what story to post on…