Amelia’s Magazine | Pre-London Fashion Week S/S 2011 Interview: Charlie le Mindu


Charlie le Mindu A/W 2010, purchase illustrated by Naomi Law

Cheeky Charlie le Mindu already had quite the reputation when he burst onto the scene in dramatic fashion a couple of years ago. As celebrity hairdresser to the stars, he’d already produced a client list that included the likes of Florence Welsh, Uffie, Lady Gaga and Peaches. His first collection showed the makings of a designer with impact, with dramatic silhouettes, contrasting materials and eery influences. But it was his star performance in the Blow Presents… show for S/S 2009 that really grabbed the media’s attention. His collection, made from human hair and luxe materials, caused a stir in that way that radical fashion does and rendering row after row of fashionista breathless.


Charlie le Mindu, S/S 2010

But what would he do next? Surely you can’t keep on making bonkers frocks from hair, can you? Well, it turns out you can, and last season Charlie had us bouncing up and down with glee with his sexed-up religion-inspired collection – a more refined and sophisticated one that still managed to convey Charlie’s unique vision.

Church bells chimed and haunting cackles played, while androgynous models appeared one after the other sporting racy all-in-one lace numbers and crucifixes atop their heads or cocoon-like headpieces (see the video here).

I managed to catch up with Charlie for a (brief) chat to delve a bit more into the psyche of this weird and wonderful designer. I have to warn you, though – he doesn’t give much away. But in three days it’s time for collection number four – one fashion week’s attendees wait for with immense anticipation.


Charlie le Mindu S/S 2010, illustrated by Steph Parr

Hi Charlie! You’re quickly rising up the fashion ranks, what’s been the highlight of your journey so far?
I think the highlight for the moment is to have met new friends like Anna Trevelayn, who is totally on the same wavelength as me in terms of ideas.

What was the inspiration behind your eery A/W 2010 collection?
It was based on religion and I wanted to show that all religion could be very sexy and dirty at the same time.

What is it about hair that fascinates you so much?
I can do anything I want to do with it. It’s a perfect match of fabrics for me, and it’s the texture I’ve worked with since I was 13!

Of all your celebrity hair clients, who have been the best (or worst) to work with?!
The best one was Carolina Bambina from Kap Bambino and Peaches, because they are my best mates.


Charlie le Mindu, A/W 2010

A number of stylish celebrities have been seen wearing your work, from Gaga to Drew Barrymore. Who else would you like to dress?
I’d love to dress Cher, so much. She is the queen of plastic surgery! She is never gonna die, so I could work with her forever!

How are you preparing for this coming fashion week? Are you excited? Nervous?
I’m very excited – I think it’s going to be my dirtiest show so far!!!

You’re part of the latest breed of London fashion designers who push the boundaries in that unique, raw way. How do you think London fashion compares to the other bigger cities?
I don’t think I push the boundaries, because if I did push it, people wouldn’t come to see my show! I just try to make things fun. And sexy. London fashion is fun, but it’s going to be more fun again in a few years time I think.

Do you find juggling haute coiffure and haute couture a challenge? Which do you prefer?
It’s the same for me, they work together.

What’s next for Charlie Le Mindu?
Maybe opening a shop…!

Categories ,A/W 2010, ,A/W 2011, ,Anna Trevelayn, ,Blow PR, ,Carolina Bambina, ,Charlie le Mindu, ,Cher, ,Crucifix, ,Drew Barrymore, ,Florence Welsh, ,Hair, ,interview, ,Kap Bambino, ,Lady Gaga, ,London Fashion Week, ,Naomi Law, ,Peaches, ,Plastic Surgery, ,preview, ,religion, ,S/S 2009, ,SEX, ,Steph Parr, ,Uffie

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | Pre-London Fashion Week S/S 2011 Interview: Charlie le Mindu


Charlie le Mindu A/W 2010, purchase illustrated by Naomi Law

Cheeky Charlie le Mindu already had quite the reputation when he burst onto the scene in dramatic fashion a couple of years ago. As celebrity hairdresser to the stars, he’d already produced a client list that included the likes of Florence Welsh, Uffie, Lady Gaga and Peaches. His first collection showed the makings of a designer with impact, with dramatic silhouettes, contrasting materials and eery influences. But it was his star performance in the Blow Presents… show for S/S 2009 that really grabbed the media’s attention. His collection, made from human hair and luxe materials, caused a stir in that way that radical fashion does and rendering row after row of fashionista breathless.


Charlie le Mindu, S/S 2010

But what would he do next? Surely you can’t keep on making bonkers frocks from hair, can you? Well, it turns out you can, and last season Charlie had us bouncing up and down with glee with his sexed-up religion-inspired collection – a more refined and sophisticated one that still managed to convey Charlie’s unique vision.

Church bells chimed and haunting cackles played, while androgynous models appeared one after the other sporting racy all-in-one lace numbers and crucifixes atop their heads or cocoon-like headpieces (see the video here).

I managed to catch up with Charlie for a (brief) chat to delve a bit more into the psyche of this weird and wonderful designer. I have to warn you, though – he doesn’t give much away. But in three days it’s time for collection number four – one fashion week’s attendees wait for with immense anticipation.


Charlie le Mindu S/S 2010, illustrated by Steph Parr

Hi Charlie! You’re quickly rising up the fashion ranks, what’s been the highlight of your journey so far?
I think the highlight for the moment is to have met new friends like Anna Trevelayn, who is totally on the same wavelength as me in terms of ideas.

What was the inspiration behind your eery A/W 2010 collection?
It was based on religion and I wanted to show that all religion could be very sexy and dirty at the same time.

What is it about hair that fascinates you so much?
I can do anything I want to do with it. It’s a perfect match of fabrics for me, and it’s the texture I’ve worked with since I was 13!

Of all your celebrity hair clients, who have been the best (or worst) to work with?!
The best one was Carolina Bambina from Kap Bambino and Peaches, because they are my best mates.


Charlie le Mindu, A/W 2010

A number of stylish celebrities have been seen wearing your work, from Gaga to Drew Barrymore. Who else would you like to dress?
I’d love to dress Cher, so much. She is the queen of plastic surgery! She is never gonna die, so I could work with her forever!

How are you preparing for this coming fashion week? Are you excited? Nervous?
I’m very excited – I think it’s going to be my dirtiest show so far!!!

You’re part of the latest breed of London fashion designers who push the boundaries in that unique, raw way. How do you think London fashion compares to the other bigger cities?
I don’t think I push the boundaries, because if I did push it, people wouldn’t come to see my show! I just try to make things fun. And sexy. London fashion is fun, but it’s going to be more fun again in a few years time I think.

Do you find juggling haute coiffure and haute couture a challenge? Which do you prefer?
It’s the same for me, they work together.

What’s next for Charlie Le Mindu?
Maybe opening a shop…!

Categories ,A/W 2010, ,A/W 2011, ,Anna Trevelayn, ,Blow PR, ,Carolina Bambina, ,Charlie le Mindu, ,Cher, ,Crucifix, ,Drew Barrymore, ,Florence Welsh, ,Hair, ,interview, ,Kap Bambino, ,Lady Gaga, ,London Fashion Week, ,Naomi Law, ,Peaches, ,Plastic Surgery, ,preview, ,religion, ,S/S 2009, ,SEX, ,Steph Parr, ,Uffie

Similar Posts:






Amelia’s Magazine | LFW 09 – Jaeger S/S2010 – The Wintour Only Claps Twice

modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, pharmacy in conjunction with Random Magazine, viagra 40mg hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

Photographs by Matt Bramford
modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, and in conjunction with Random Magazine, clinic hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, illness to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, visit web in conjunction with Random Magazine, discount hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, treat to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, here in conjunction with Random Magazine, sales hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, this web to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, check in conjunction with Random Magazine, cost hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, information pills to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, there in conjunction with Random Magazine, drugs hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, page in conjunction with Random Magazine, physician hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, website in conjunction with Random Magazine, generic hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, view to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

Photographs by Matt Bramford

modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, sale in conjunction with Random Magazine, buy hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

Photographs by Matt Bramford

modalsconfidence

Confidence Models, there in conjunction with Random Magazine, visit this hosted a LFW after-party on Saturday night, side effects to showcase three up-and-coming designers who had graduated this year.
Hosted at the Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch’s latest (s)wanky late bar, at first it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a non-event. I arrived early to stand a better chance of getting in – the dress code was pretty strict – and once in there I managed to fight my way past the other seven people and get to the free cocktails.
Pretty quickly though, the venue filled up nicely with very fashionable, incredibly good looking types. With the berry cocktails flowing and a good few faces to look at, the event was shaping up to be a good ‘un.

confidencemodelsparty1

Almost out of nowhere appeared two frighteningly tall models wearing fantastic graphic-print outfits. One, a maxi-dress with billowing sleeves, featured bold colours of red and blue with a childlike bird illustration. The other was a hooded jump-suit featuring a similar style of illustration and even more playful colours.

I caught up with the designer – the squeezable Pauline Nakiwala, respendent in a sequinned number and fluro eye-shadow. A recent Ravensbourne graduate, she was delighted to be featured at the event.

3_1

“I draw inspiration from my childhood,” she told me. “I love playful illustrations and bright colours.” I agree. I express that it’s great to see designers who are so confident with colour. “I love colour!” she shouts. I ask her what she plans to do next. “I don’t know, it’s tough,” she relents. I agree, again. “I’d like to continue working with print. I’d love to design prints for an established designer.” I ask her who. “Vivienne Westwood would be a dream!” she exhales.
Pauline worked with high street designers during her degree. “I think I got more experience by working at that level,” she explains. Yet again, I agree, and I offer that when I was interning, the value of experience at smaller publications was so much more rewarding. “It may sound strange,” she finishes, “but I’d love to work in buying to. I’d love to be responsible for what’s stocked where.” She’s definitely one to watch in the future.

Two other designers were to be featured – Marko Mitanovski (Vogue’s ‘One to Watch’) and Jasper Garvida (winner of Project Runway 2008). I was informed that they would appear much, much later. After a gruelling day of shows and presentations, the thought of staying out any longer was terrifying. I was sorry to miss them, if Nakiwala’s collection was anything to go by.

Photographs by Matt Bramford

s2010

The house of Jaeger fell by the wayside for many a year. In 2008 they presented their first womenswear collection to great acclaim (I remember and still do coverting a rather wonderful Trapeze coat/cape as it floated down the catwalk). The launch of the catwalk shows have seen it’s designers attempting to bring the archive designs up to date whilst remaining commercially viable.

lfw09jaeger1

As the crowd was seated, illness many models from the campaign peppered the front row, cialis 40mg Erin O’Connor to Laura Bailey whilst model of the moment Lara Stone closed the show. Whispering excitedly as the lights began to dim, it felt as if the entire crowd suddenly snapped their heads to the right in chorographic glory. As Anna Wintour walked in through the back entrance, the expected press scrum ensured Ms. Wintour’s bodyguards gently pushed them out of the way.

annawintour

As the crowd re-settled as the lights began to dim in preparation for the show those famous sunglasses (and thankfully lack of the snakeskin coat she had been seen wearing previously) appeared on the face and the first model sauntered down the shaggy carpet covered catwalk.
Jaeger presented a grown up modern office wear collection that should be celebrated for it’s rejection of the skinny skinny body hugging trend that has been occupying many a catwalk at this year’s London Fashion Week.

s20103

As expected for a house of 125 years their back catalogue provides the design team with fertile ground for inspiration. This year the design team revisited the late seventies photography of Guy Bourdin. Whose palette of ivory and apple explains the nostalgic sense inherent in the collection’s slightly old fashioned and prints. It was a catwalk that nodded to trends rather than be a slave to the product and desires of fast fashion.

s2010

The rather wonderful super wide pleated shorts had a touch of Chloe s/s09 whilst the Harem pants were 80’s sequined glamour with a super baggy bum.
The oversize sweaters and cardigans were particular delights as was the body cum sweater that looked a potential summer time super short jumpsuit. These pieces appeared especially textural.
Block colors’. Statement jewellery accessorised the models alongside elegant clutches. Chiffon trousers were off set by an arguably but the aforementioned, old fashioned yet desirable colour palette. Perhaps because it was easy elegance and an incredibly feminine collection.

The trousers were high waisted with ruffled tops clinched in by belts as the fabric draped over the hips to create the Jaeger new “half-moon” shape. Thus continuing their designs for a softly structured silhouette.

s2010

Knits were a strong feature on the catwalk continuing the seventies inspiration through the shimmery gold thread used in the items. The over-sized slouchy boyfriend cardigans countered the super structured bordering on the extreme of recent seasons often found on.

jaegerSS10knit

It was a colour palette (Sepia, Apple) I enjoyed and I found the shapes of the clothes delivered the modernity, the classic tayloring needs transforming the clothes into soft relaxed wearability. Hopefully by continuing to draw on the strengths of it’s archives it will continue both as a catwalk to watch and clothes to invest in.

Categories ,british fashion council, ,Jaeger, ,London Fashion Week, ,S/S 2009, ,Somerset House

Similar Posts: