Do you know any other 15-19 year olds showing their very first collection at London Fashion Week? Through BBC Blast, visit web ten young creatives got an exceptional opportunity to do just this. Here’s your first-hand report from the front row.
The atmosphere of intrigue that surrounded the empty catwalk was met with an explosive performance from the Dolly Rockers, page the latest girlband trio to hit London, seek singing their new single, ‘Boys Will Be Boys’. This was followed by an exciting range of asymmetric layering, soft lines, and neutral block colours alongside splashes of graphic florals.
Our first impressions of this debut collection were that the standard was primarily high. The fabrics were simple but composed in an innovative conduct, with manipulated jersey combined with cutaway denim and drapes of neon. Plus, it would appear that these budding young fashionistas have created looks that are bang-on trend, seen at some of the big Somerset House shows such as Topshop Unique. Impressive, considering the team had a timescale of just 5-6 months in which, according to project manager (Aindrea Emelife), they had to fit in meetings around the other commitments of a typical teen.
Many cameras remained firmly focused on the intricately designed shoes, from flowery wedges to ‘bling’ brogues, kindly supplied by Irregular Choice. The main aura of the collection was definitely urban meets ‘Best of British’. Union jack bags and ‘LONDON’ waistcoats, apparently influenced by ‘the vintage feel of Brick Lane,’ featured alongside loose-fitting sportswear updated with customised t-shirts (a personal favourite of ours). Menswear comprised of this look plus a tongue-in-cheek pre-school element including dungarees!
The collection’s manifesto stated ‘Conformity does not interest us’. Something which was clearly noticeable in the individuality and pioneering nature of man meets woman, youth meets maturity. Furthermore, the collection definitely encouraged playful experimentation on the conventional silhouette. We took preference to the more signature garments, such as the floor length hooded dress and the navy polka dot harem trousers. The clothes were original and, as suggested by Satu Fox, it is really fresh and inspiring to see a designer’s work at the potential start of their career.
This special evening concluded with a drinks reception, where the audience had a chance to congratulate team members on their impressive creations. Although there has been criticism, it cannot be denied that blogging has become a vital component of fashion journalism – and it was good to see many fresh, young writers in amongst the crowds.
The 1.Wo/Man team’s future in fashion already looks set to continue as there will be a diffusion line of graphic tees online shortly in aid of Children In Need. They are bound to be a sell-out at just ten pounds each. Attention will certainly be drawn to the collection as the BBC is airing a small feature film in the coming months, showing the team’s journey from interviews right up to the catwalk.
We’re pondering on the likelihood of seeing some of the 1.Wo/Man team at Somerset House in the near future. Besides, they’re already half way there!
Follow BBC Blast to find out more about this exciting initiative.
Categories ,1 Wo/Man, ,180, ,BBC Blast, ,lfw09
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