BENGT slipped down to the Swarowski showrooms in central London for a mid week do in the shape of fashion pr agency Ella Dror’s AW12 press day. Ella’s roster of designers are not for the fainthearted with names like Charlie le Mindu, Kitty Joseph and not mention Fred Butler. So needless to say we were met with a pre-easter extravaganza in a rainbow of colours and playful props, enough to make Alice in Wonderland happy.
The first set of rails that caught our attention were the mesmerizing prints from RCA MA Textile graduate Kitty Joseph. Her experience gained from work as a color consultant for countless international fashion brands and color trend analysis for leading trend prediction agencies becomes visible in the patterns with a futuristic marbled quality that feel both dreamlike and otherworldly. Finishing off the looks with clear chunky perspex accessories filled with coloured glitter took a fun and kooky spin on a beautifully dark collection.
Images from Kitty Joseph AW12 lookbook
Next out were the wonderfully bonkers headpieces from Piers Atkinson. Known for their wit, unexpected materials and themes and Piers’ own signature storytelling and tongue-in-cheek humor we could not help but smile and reconnect with cuddly childhood memories.
After a quick stop at the bar we hurried over to Fred Butler‘s installation. A background in fashion and many years of experience in prop making and set design working with the industry top names (Nichola Formichetti, Lucinda Chambers and Patti Wilson to name a few), Butlers style is highly creative, imaginative and iconic in its own right. Always with a healthy dollop of humour of course. This season her bespoke collection saw skimpy knits layered with thick candy coloured plaits and head pieces, origami sculpted ‘tops’ and knit covered heels. Sounds weird we know but looked good and felt even better….
French born hair-dresser extraordinaire Charlie le Mindu has risen to prominence with his signature Haute Coiffure style and avant-garde approach to the mix of hair and fashion. To point out that Lady Gaga, Peaches, MGMT and VV Brown are amongst his fans is hardly a surprise.
We also could not help but notice these reach-for-the-sky platform wedges as we were about to leave (but failed to pick up the designer). So all in all a joyful and colourful evening. Big kiss to Ella Dror, we can’t wait for the next one!
