As The Elysium
Concept Show drew to a close, the final two collections left us on a major high. Staggeringly contrasted, but equally as
powerful, Chloe Reynolds and Sarah Palin’s compilations were forcefully feminine.
Aptly named ‘The
Black Collection’ the womenswear designer presented a dominant series and the
ninja-like characters slinked down the catwalk with authority and presence. With a clear nod to Japanese design, the pieces emulated an
air of protection, defiance and strength yet maintaining a womanly softness.
Although a purely black collection there was no trace of
monotony as intricate, laser cut patterns instilled variation and a uniqueness to
each piece.
(OFW BLOG)
The fierce fetish trend of yester-season is a beast that
appears tamed but should still be approached with respectful caution.
Sarah Palin
(OFW BLOG)
The show’s finale came in the form of graduate Sarah
Palin’s ‘Decadent Art, Rotten Beauty’ collection.
Having already received attention from Vogue Online, WGSN
and Catwalking.com, the exquisitely feminine collection was built out of a type
of reinforced paper called Tyvek which exudes a romantic, nostalgia.
Concealed layers of autumnal prints were revealed through
the disjointed hemlines and tearaway windows adding a rugged, tainted purity to
each elegant piece.
The collection was based around finding beauty in what’s
perceived as rotten and decayed as if the classic structures were created from
discarded newspaper blown together in a creative gust of autumn wind.