Despite heavy rain showers, London Fashion Week Sunday demonstrated the unwavering strength of the fashion industry. The day was filled with remarkable collections from designers such as Simone Rocha, Erdem, Tove, and Holzweiler, who showcased their unique visions and styles.
Simone Rocha’s collection, entitled “Dress Rehearsal,” was a true spectacle. Drawing inspiration from Irish mythology, modern art, and innovative fabrics, Rocha presented an array of experimental designs. The show took place in the rehearsal studio of the English National Ballet, with a backdrop of angels blowing trumpets, symbolizing resilience and faith. Rocha paid homage to Irish history, with designs featuring tulle dresses, trench coats, and gowns adorned with twisted paper roses. Additionally, the collection incorporated nylon parkas, trenches, and town coats with fabric buds and flowers. Rocha’s creativity shone through in the incorporation of cotton ice cream-like textures, inspired by Cy Twombly’s cake sculptures. Each look told its own unique narrative, capturing the attention of all who witnessed the show.
Erdem Moralioglu took a different approach, combining the Duchess of Devonshire’s love for Elvis Presley with the elegance of Chatsworth, an English mansion. Delving into the archives of Chatsworth, Erdem even incorporated discarded chintz from the mansion’s curtains into his designs. The collection featured white shirts and blouses with Elvis-inspired embroidery, flapper dresses, and biker jackets adorned with star-burst crystal decorations. Erdem’s collaboration with Barbour resulted in forties-style opera coats, reflecting the concept of longevity and embracing continuity. The collection received high praise, especially for its stunning off-the-shoulder gowns in architectural prints.
Tove, founded by Camille Perry and Holly Wright, celebrated quiet elegance and idyllic draping. The collection, presented at the Hayward Gallery, showcased a purist manifesto with understated yet classy designs. Tove deviated from the avant-garde eccentricity often associated with London Fashion Week, instead focusing on sophisticated and timeless fashion. Their collection captivated the audience with its simplicity and refined aesthetic.
Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, Holzweiler, a Norwegian brand, managed to present an exquisite collection at Camley Street Natural Park. The collection featured knits, padded outerwear, asymmetrical slip dresses, patchwork skirts, and oversized pants. The designers from Oslo embraced their distinctive Norwegian insouciance, creating a show that felt like a triumph despite the rain.
London Fashion Week Sunday demonstrated the indomitable creativity and resilience of the fashion industry. With exceptional collections from Simone Rocha, Erdem, Tove, and Holzweiler, the day showcased the diverse and compelling talent within the industry.
Here are two links with more information on London Fashion Week:
1. London Fashion Week Official Website
2. Vogue UK Fashion Section
