LFW SS14: Basharatyvan V

Basharatyan V SS14 collection "Frida" was showcased at the Freemasons Hall; it was a colourful display of yellows, reds and pearly whites, which was a build-up on AW13's colourful palette. Hugely inspired by Mexican surrealist painter, Frida Kahlo the collection reflects strong traits of her paintings and philosophies.

Unique prints that show the brands growth in confidence and experience was a delight, with bursts of neon green, coral reds and beautiful monochromatic prints.

Veronica Basharatyabn was inspired by the pain and passion in Kahlo's work, her models reflected the statement eyebrows of Kahlo's trademark look. The silhouettes were sultry feminine and yet strong, channelling the fearless Frida, the uncompromising depiction of the female experience and form. 

The first impression of the collection is layers of delectable silk chiffons in a combination of both vivid and pastel colours, intriguing prints with pops of neon bright and zesty lemon/lime embellishments. 

To Ra. 

LFW SS14: Bernard Chandran

I'm a fan of Bernard Chandran, I saw him last season and I love his collection. This season was also a delight  and I got to interview him, which was lovely. Womenswear is usually fully controlled and I don't like the rules that are applied to, nevertheless Chandran pushed the boat out. Inspiration for the collection came from his home land, Malaysia and a mixture of metallics and princesses.

(ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DEBORAH CROSSWIRE)

The traditional Malay sarongs were of obvious and important inspiration, along with the usage of native silks.  "I wanted to break conventions and give normal girls the chance to become princesses", this is what is done rather well in this collection, traditional dresses of the royal members are being modernised with a urban undertone. Oversized caped sleeves providing strong silhouettes, celebrating the female form in all it's sultriness, this seemed to be a motif throughout the show. An appearance of pinstriped -bandeau jumpsuits assembled with asymmetrical cuts gave the line a futuristic air about it. A radical re-invention of princess-wear and royal uniform is something we are embracing.

To Ra.