London Fashion Week started with a bang, featuring stunning shows from Di Petsa, Huishan Zhang, and Mark Fast. Each designer showcased their unique style and left the audience captivated.
Di Petsa’s collection, titled “Afterhours Aphrodites,” was a mesmerizing display of nymphs, goddesses, and erotic divinities. The show opened with a powerful performance of dancers embodying the Birth of Venus. The runway was filled with barely dressed models, donning golden silk satin screen goddess columns, boudoir-worthy negligees, and coppery crisscross Grecian cocktails. The collection had a risqué and raggedy edge with chopped up bodices, unraveling swimsuits, and disheveled leotards. Dimitra Petsa herself even made an appearance, leading the posse of nymphs and taking a bow at the finale. It was a show that reminded everyone why London Fashion Week is a must-attend event for fashion aficionados.
Huishan Zhang presented a collection that flawlessly combined Eastern and Western influences. Zhang, a Chinese designer who now calls London home, showcased sophisticated and classy clothes. At cocktail hour, his models strutted down the runway in pencil-thin dresses made of lean sequined shards. The collection exuded an icy and elitist quality that could have easily passed as Paris couture. Zhang’s attention to detail was evident in his crisp suits and cotton shirt dresses adorned with fabric buttons, as well as his pale gray silk coat dresses embellished with pearl, bugle beads, and metal buds. The collection also featured silvery slip dresses trimmed in metallic lace, a washed-out denim suit with a ruffled skirt, and elegant wool mesh sheathes. It was a moment of grace presented in the basement of The Londoner Hotel, a serene escape from the bustling city center.
Mark Fast’s collection revolved around clubbing from dawn to dusk. He seemed to be vying for a spot with Renzo Rosso at OTB, and he absolutely nailed it. The collection made a punchy fashion statement with distressed denim pants, tops, and tangled-up knit bandage dresses. Fast understood what his clients wanted – sexy, skimpy clubbing dresses that revealed acres of flesh. These barely-there dresses were made from bands of knitwear or elastic stretch, giving them a unique texture and a touch of edginess. Plus-sized models also graced the runway, confidently rocking Fast’s knit dresses. The collection showcased an impressive range of colors, from acid-dyed and bright pink to blue neon and earthy desert tones. Completing the looks were cowgirl boots with foot-long tassels and chunky electrician’s shoes. Fast titled the collection “Dawn to Dusk,” which perfectly encapsulated its all-encompassing nature. It was a complete wardrobe for those who loved to party endlessly.
London Fashion Week’s opening day did not disappoint. Di Petsa, Huishan Zhang, and Mark Fast all brought their A-game, presenting collections that pushed boundaries and captivated the audience. These shows set the tone for an exciting week ahead, where fashion lovers can expect more innovative designs and memorable moments. London Fashion Week, once again, proves why it remains a must-attend event for industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Useful links:
1. London Fashion Week Official Website
2. Vogue: Highlights of London Fashion Week Shows
