Fashion For Show

I arrived at the Rag Factory near Brick Lane in the hazy afternoon with little idea of what to expect from Fashion for Show. I had come to know a few of the designers prior to the show, and their persona’s suggested something soft and romantic on the surface, but with a palatable darkness bubbling underneath. A sweet and pungent brew akin to a Heston Blumenthal recipe or a Swedish child vampire film.

The backdrop designed by Daniel & Bora of Central Saint Martins was a jagged, geometric bit of modern splendour, which was lovingly juxtaposed by a runway that reminded me a bit of a boat dock at my friend’s lakeside cabin. I took my seat.

The crowd poured in, refreshingly unpretentious. The lights went low; as low as the baseline that began to pump from the speakers and the most ethereal song began. Such a song was it that I have tirelessly questioned everyone who was at the show as to its name. Not a soul knows what it was and no one knows how to reach the dj. Was he even there? Did the song exist? Or was it just the Gods pumping the heart of the show that was about to unfold? Regardless, the first model came into view and the music pulsed into the night, tripping over the warm cobbles of E1.

                              

Magdalena Gustafsson: Parachute inspired tops and bottoms that hung as if on a moment paired with intense and intricate knits. Magdalena is clearly attentive, innovative and tender when working with her textiles.

Lisette  Norrby: Born of the concept of negative space came sophisticated stunning constructions with a tentative and caring attention to silhouette and fine detail. Extremely forward thinking and immaculately produced. Wow!

Sara’ Arnesen: Oversized denim silhouettes contrasted by a nude and black palette of sheer wonderment. Black printed etchings suggested the boundaries of the parts of the wearers’ body in a way that was liberating yet deliciously uniform (the hip bones connected to the – leg bone etc). I’ll have one of each thank you!

Pauline Edwall: Innovative high waisted trousers for men paired with double zip jackets that hinted at muscular shoulders and inflated masculinity. The jackets had a gorgeous venetian blind style aesthetic that played well with the textually simple garments they were paired with.

Andrea Mongenie: A playful mix of thick knits, jersey and uniquely padded silhouettes. A mellow and relaxing colour story of black, white and grey mixed to a soft concrete tonic.

Timothy Bouyes-Forge: Like a set of bright white fairies who flew too close to the sun were Timothy’s creations. Crisp white perfection softly tarnished by lighters, hairspray and lit sticks of incense. A neoprene top just that liiiiiittle bit to short was a personal favourite.

In conclusion, the show was an enormous success for the young designers and I enjoyed myself immensely. If only I could find the name of that song.....

Links: http://designkollektiv.se/