As I am sure you’ve enjoyed the first part of the series “Meet the Designers”, this week we are bringing you more about the protagonists that have shined and showcased their collection during the last London Fashion Week, where celebreMagazine was accredited Press by the British Fashion Council. Before hitting the catwalk just yet, our first designer held a fabulous presentation in her equally fabulous boutique at 18 Albemarle St, at the heart of London’s luxury district of Mayfair.
Amanda Wakeley OBE
She has created an AW20 collection inspired by her many travels around the world. Autumn 2020 has been inspired by Japan, its craftsmanship and its rich culture. The Wakeley woman is contemporary warrior, her armour created by layering luxurious tailoring on top of soft printed silk and intricately embroidered dresses. Her waist is cinched with a samurai-inspired obi belt, made of leather and fringed silk, and her kimono dresses are revisited in a more modern key, using bold colour-blocking and contemporary silhouette, while movement and texture to the look is created by ombred fringing inspired by the Shodo calligraphy brushes. The colours are red, blue, emerald green, camel, ecru and black.
Winter 2020 is inspired by Mustang, the lost kingdom of Tibet and the rich, storied culture of Lo. The vibrant Oranges and Reds of the Monks’ ceremonial attires create a vivid contrast against the white of the snowed mountains, giving Amanda Wakeley the perfect palette for her winter collection. This winter collection is a capsule wardrobe for the woman looking for investment pieces and classic silhouette that will stand the test of time. Using Blanket-style layering reminiscing of the traditional robes, statement scarves with tassel trims and luscious draped satin and velvet in order to create the richness of texture and modernity, iconic of every Wakeley collection. Opposite Mayfair, on the Kensington side of Hyde Park another designer has showcased its AW20 collection in the historical Grade II listed surrounding of the iconic Serpentine Gallery, away from the catwalk.
Johnstons of Elgin
A woollen mill in Elgin, Scotland, established in 1797 and it is still the same mill which produces cashmere garments today. For this collection, the brand Creative Director Alan Scott took inspiration from landscapes around the globe including the Scottish Highlands, South American skylines and the ice-capped Mongolian mountains. This new collection of 21 womenswear and 9 looks, explores the origin of fine fibres and their roots, using bold patterns fused with colour palettes of traditional colours against China Blue, Ice-water Aqua, Amber, Harissa, Lotus Pink and rich Gold.
For the AW20 season Scott has created a collection where each piece reflects the brand historic journey throughout the year, modern designs created with traditional textile techniques. Clean lines, minimalist detailing, luxury silhouettes offering an uncomplicated but sophisticated look. As explained by the Creative Director Alan Scott himself: “This is a pivotal collection for us, it has continued our new positioning as an all year-round brand offering trans-seasonal approach to cashmere that is innovative, confident and unique.”
Marques Alemida
In the unique scenery of the Old Truman’s Brewery, in the heart of Brick Lane, renowned for street food and vintage shops, M’A showcased their AW 20 collection. The Portuguese duo took inspiration from Zendaya’s tv series Euphoria and with their AW20 collection explores the concept of feminine youth and what it means to be a young woman in this modern age and how she relates with the society around her.
Ruffled over-sized dresses paired with biker boots, watercolour and graffiti prints, acid wash denim and satin, recreate the idea of a young girl dressing up in her big sister’s or mother’s clothes and imagines what would she look like when her time to be a grown-up comes. M’A want to give the youngsters a space, a voice, make them visible, give them the freedom they and the young generations before them, have always craved, through powerful dressing.
Olivia Rubin
In the setting of the listed ICA building, facing the gorgeous St James’s park, the Central Saint Martin graduate, Olivia Rubin has showcased her 2nd collection at London Fashion Week. For a second season Rubin has showcased her modern take on femininity with focus on her best selling dresses, skirts and for the first time a coat.
Her love for the rainbow and multi-coloured sequins has positioned her and her brand very highly in the luxury industry, being loved by celebrities and ordinary people alike. In the historical setting, on the notes of nostalgic 80’s music, Rubin filled the building with fun polka dots and pearl adorned pieces brought to life by models elegantly dancing through the rooms.
by Maria Bello – Fashion Journalist