"The Artist is the Creator of Beautiful Things"

The above is the first line of the preface written by Oscar Wilde for his book which would go on to become not only a classic in literary terms, but would also become an inspiration in the fashion world. Namely, for Corrie Nielsen's 2012 Spring Summer Collection.

I must begin by saying these words most certainly ring true in the case of the 2010 Fashion Fringe winner, who has once again brought a haunting and atmospheric collection to the table (as well as a personal favourite of the week for me).

 

Although her last season was hosted at the esteemed Somerset House BFC Tent; My Beautiful Fashion's eerie space at The Old Sorting Office suits Miss Nielsen's style a great deal more. The black abyss surrounding the concrete catwalk and the runway lit by light bulbs which appeared to float in the nothingness.

The collection "Arbiter Elegantiarum" takes its main inspiration from the classic novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray". This, and drawing on Japanese pleats and folded structures complete the look seamlessly.

As one who indulges often in literature of this period, it was clear to me that the words of Dorian Gray were sewn into the very stitching. From the first portrait sittings, to the opium dens; from the high society parties, to the inevitable downward spiral and demise of our hero turned villain. I greedily devoured this collection with my eyes page after page, piece after piece.

 

It was all there, in the gothic and luxurious colour palette, enhanced with silks and ties in all the right places. Some of the evening wear went one step past the depraved Dorian into the eastern type setting of The Torture Garden, moulding indulgence and self-control into one (I wish I could have applied some self-control against the temptation of the scrumptious goodies supplied to us by Starbucks under my seat).

For a designer originating from what is warmly known as the sunshine state, I am in awe of her ability to produce such a chilling tale; told so exquisitely. I could see the mist settling over London while the ever youthful creatures crept around in the shadows, selling their souls for an immortalised piece from this collection.

Fashion Fringe Chooses Well Again - Corrie Nielsen

Corrie Nielsen - A Winters Melody


I will probably owe Mel an Erdem and a Westwood (God it's just like cigarettes in jail!) in future for this as we only had one ticket to Corrie Nielsen and I got to go because she had something happening with work. I wish so much that we would have been able to go together as I must say it was right up her street. Thanks to Adorngirl for squishing together with me like true blog buddies to get some good shots!

Influenced by the Elizabethan period, 40's and 50's Haute Couture and portraiture of the Spanish and Flemish aristocracy with a colour palette from the oil paintings of the times, this had to be a show oozing in drama.

The music was haunting (composed by Ken Watanabe) and for whatever reason it didn't feel like we were at Somerset House, but rather at some listed mansion in the country. Nielsen seemed to have spent her Fashion Fringe budget/sponsorship wisely having two sculptural pieces either side of the runway entrance to set the mood and used only the lushest fabrics (wools, cashmere and triple silks).

The daywear pieces were incredible. They held a certain androgyny through the style of tailoring but had wraps that went around the body and draped in a way to reassert femininity. Trousers.... So so beautiful. Resting completely over the shoe and crumpling at the bottom, I could see myself wearing these day and night and to a myriad of occasions. Just the sort of long term forever fantastic pieces that we love.

 

The evening wear was rich but not in your face. Unique gathering at the hips on some of the skirts and dresses had my interest piqued. I wanted to touch the garments and pull them apart to see how she managed to create the patterns!

 One more over the top thing I love about Nielsen, as it is something I know Mel and I would each do, is that she named and provided a quote with every single look she sent out: Catwalk with Jean de la Fontaine "All those who enter, enter so but none is ever seen again, the way out isn't quite so plain."... How unbelievably romantic.... Some of our favourites:


School girl outfit with short: "Don't sell your bearskin till the bear is dead."


Francis Howard long skirt/classic top: "Oh well, since your talents aren't for farming, you'd better dance instead."


Corset/Draped hip skirt: "madam, you should know, a flatterer is a kind of parasite that lives off of those who will listen.

 

Finally came the closing 2 pieces, each the antithesis of the other. First a champagne evening dress named the Tower of Babel worn with ballet shoes - there are no words... And then slowly and ghostlike behind was an Elizabethan ruff jacket and La Cigale skirt in a deep navy worn by a flame haired raven of a model, both left me  BREATH... LESS....

We honestly can't wait for next season, when we hope to have 2 tickets so at least we can be silenced (a rare feat) by Corrie Nielsens melodie together.