// DRIES VAN NOTEN //
Forget about pretty pastel florals for spring 2014 because Dries Van Noten has singlehandedly turned the popular print on its head. His version are dark and moody, set against a grey or black background they are rich and opulent in nature. These look much more inviting to me than any ditsy Liberty print ever has.
Van Noten's collection was a mishmash of cultures. There were Asian inspired prints next to rich embroidered tapestries that looked as though they came straight from a Middle Eastern cavern. Rich shiny gold was paired with plain calico and linen. It was as if a peasant child had accidentally stumbled upon the trunk of a rich traveling sheik and was playing dress up.
I loved that plain white t-shirts and marl grey sweatshirts were included in the otherwise rich collection. Favourite pieces include the black silk bomber covered in large dark tulips and the sleeveless top with shells lining the neck.
// ERDEM SS14 //
The Erdem Spring 2014 show consisted of a predominately black and white colour palette. There was a lot of embellishment, in the form of lace, feathers and beading, plus a healthy serving of sheer. The strict collars added a masculinity to the otherwise very feminine collection. Standout pieces included the tough biker jackets, a perfect contrast to the lady-like dresses, and the shoes which brilliantly incorporated key details from the collection. I'll take the flat pair in both black and white please.
OSIRIS AROUND MY NECK...
I'm completely in love with Moxham. My favourite piece from the new spring/summer collection is the Osiris necklace. It's massively chunky and quite heavy but such an awesome statement piece. Here I'm wearing it over one of my favourite t-shirts that I picked up on ebay.
Wearing: Moxham Osiris necklace, Somewhere Nowhere embellished hat, Paul & Joe Sister jacket, wolf tank top from ebay and Topshop jeans.
MICHAEL VAN DER HAM AW13...
Shooting backstage at Michael van der Ham was serene. Everything was clicking away like clock work. The models had fake half fringes clipped into their hair and had dark moody eyeliner applied to their lids. I love seeing the clothes hanging on the rail and then seeing them come to life on the catwalk...
The collection was absolutely gorgeous. There were tops (see top right) with holes cut out of them. It almost looks as if some super powerful moths went to work on the fabric. My favourite pieces were the sheer tops (see top middle) with embroidery on them and the brocade pencil leg trousers. The show closed with three stunning dresses that would look killer on any red carpet. Michael van der Ham isn't a designer that I was familiar with before the show but since seeing this collection he's become one of my favourite London designers. *Collage photos from style.com*
Massive thanks to ebay for getting me backstage and for inviting me to the show.