Clements Ribeiro AW12 - Goldsmith’s Hall
This season we worked alongside Suzanne Clements and Inacio Ribeiro, the creative husband and wife duo behind Clements Ribeiro who showed at our new show space , Goldsmith’s Hall. This decadent old building was the perfect backdrop for a british brand who, after heading design at Cacharel for a 7 year stint, are firmly fully showing under their own label in London again for the second season now, and aren’t we glad they are!
The collection was a fusion of the things they love, and what came out of that was a bohemian, eclectic mix of soft pretty muted russian-doll like prints placed with black pleather and strong, bold fuscia colours. The black and white check mohair coat was a favourite of ours, this check was used in short jackets and pencil skirts too.
This season was also about showcasing the menswear side to their business, in particular the geometric, bauhaus-type knitwear pieces which are part of a capsule collection of individually designed jumpers - soon to be released…
Clements Ribeiro teamed up with Jimmy Choo for the show and had the models walking in patent, pointy heels in pink, blue and black.
Take a look at our backstage photos and some of our favourite looks from the collection…
MBF favourite Looks:
Dempsey Stuart (Union) and Hannah Sorheim (Viva)
Clements Ribeiro, Saturday 18th February, Goldsmith’s Hall
Backstage Photography : Siausiau Suzuki, www.siausiausuzuki.co.uk
Text : Jasmine Hassett
Basso and Brooke AW12 - Goldsmith’s Hall
As one of the most instantly recognisable duos at LFW, Basso and Brooke are a fashion force to be reckoned with. The pair have built a brand using their combined creativity and are a walking embodiment of their clothes ; bold, individual and enigmatic. Although they are by no means new designers on the block as they have been showing at fashion week for the past thirteen seasons, they rarely deviate away from their signature niche within digital print.
As the masters of obscure prints, they have built an unprecedented following, but their current collection is a testament to moving with the times. With the likes of Mary Katrantzou, Peter Pilotto, Erdem and Jonathon Saunders masterfully saturating the print arena, staying fresh and current is vital.
This season we were not let down by the dynamic duo. Colourful Aztec and African prints mixed with geometric patterns create an exuberant yet sophisticated look. The collection took inspiration from Matisse’s paper-cut era, the mixing and interlocking of unrelated prints purposely containing no symmetry.
The triumph of this collection was in making this difficult task a success, not only do the miss-match of differing items work so well, heads up to the stylist! But also, it is instantly visible that each item could work well as separates, for those who like diluting prints with block colour.
MBF particularly loved the silk geometric printed trousers, which fit in well with this season’s pajama trend!
Of course the thing that got everybody talking and a masterstroke from Basso and Brooke was their collaboration with The Cambridge Satchel Company. Seeing the duo’s fantastical prints on the traditional leather bags was pure genius and waiting list-inducing for sure.
My Beautiful Fashion were very pleased to produce the Basso and Brooke show and to work alongside the Kings of Print! Lauren Milligan of Vogue described our venue, Goldsmith’s Hall, as the ” lustrous new catwalk space”, why thank you!
Basso and Brooke, Friday 17th February, Goldsmith’s Hall
http://www.bassoandbrooke.com/
Backstage Photography : Siausiau Suzuki , www.siausiausuzuki.co.uk
Text : Jasmine Hassett and Maria Dickinson
Francesca Marotta AW12, MBF Showspace
Francesca’s A/W 12 collection was simply stunning. As the lights went dim, the first model stepped out in a black lace veil. Looking like a broken hearted lover, she scowled at the audience as if you question what they were doing in her territory. Full of drama and passion, the look was essentially what exuberant Francesca’s designs are about.
What followed was just as epic. The audience witnessed a procession of models in mourning. The religious references were heart-poundingly beautiful and played out Francesca’s pilgrimage of angst wonderfully. Long flowing capes, sheer polka-dot blouses, lace dresses with volumous sleeves and leather-panelled skirts all took their turn in the spotlight. The addition of bright phosphorescent yellow, blue and red chunky jewellery by Milko Boyarov, often shaped into crucifixion-evocative thorns, gave an air of evangelical whimsicalness but also ardent positivity.
There were two looks in particular which inspired audible gasps from the room. The first was a floor length open-front blood-red cape dress. It was sexy, theatrical and set the photographers into overdrive. However, her piece de la resistance and finale was a floor length, high neck black dress made entirely from lace. On the model’s head laid a luminescent red crown of thorns and dripping from her eyes was ‘blood’. She staggered down the runway with fierce Sicilian passion and concluded Francesca’s collection. Soulful, sensual but deeply saddening, it was a hundred tears shed for a loved one in dress form.
We tipped Francesca for big things, but she really surpassed expectations with this collection. It is hard to believe it was only her second LFW show as the creativity and foresight she demonstrated was that of a seasoned designer.
My Beautiful Fashion were delighted to produce such an outstanding show and we can’t wait to see plenty more from Francesca Marotta in the future.
Take a look at some of our backstage photos from the event…
Ashley Isham - Interview
We are very pleased to showcase this exclusive interview with Ashley Isham whom we are working with this season at our My Beautiful Fashion venue, Goldsmith’s Hall. This decadent backdrop will be perfect to go with Ashley’s decadent collections, his signature draping, exotic and strong-tailored pieces are something the fashion world has come to love and admire and which have been known to succeed on the red carpet. He has an army of followers, especially of the celeb kind, with Florence Welch to Gaga having worn his dresses. Get a head start and find out what inspiration is behind Ashley’s forthcoming collection, what the designer can’t live without and who’s wardrobe he would love to raid!!…
Q&A with Ashley Isham
Who’s wardrobe would you most like to raid?
It would definitely have to be Tom Ford’s wardrobe as he always looks so immaculate and razor sharp all the time. He is my style icon after all.
Talk us through the inspiration for your AW12 collection?
The AW12 collection is inspired by the city girl with a passion for clean line, contemporary statement dresses and tailoring.The smart yet urban look that loans an elaborate but solemn air to the clothes is one that will lead the individual from day to evening, with the clean and razor sharp chic silhouettes. The razor sharp tailoring are formed through the use of exquisite fabrics which includes luxurious stretch velvet, delicate French lace, magnificent Swiss Guipure and sumptuous leather in antique bronze and black caviar. The jersey pieces are individually loved and crafted for the AW12 collection which represents my signature look of draped liquid jersey in frost grey, deep teal, violet and grape with an exclusive digital print that is inspired by hexagonal floral and the mysteriously dangerous python.
Do you struggle with the pressures of fashion week or thrive on the buzz of it all?
I feel that there are always a lot of sweat and tears doing a collection that we are passionate with. Of course we thrive on the stress, late nights and it keeps the adrenaline running. We always try to laugh and keep the studio environment conducive as there are a lot of late nights prior to the show. Its a wonderful blessing that I am given the opportunity to do something that I am passionate with so I am very grateful.
If you could only wear one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
It must be a Huntsman bespoke Grey Suit that fits like a glove as it is a basic staple in a man’s wardrobe that I can dress up or dress down.
What is the biggest fashion faux-pas?
Getting over dressed and looks uncomfortable in what one is wearing. I believe that even with just a crisp white shirt, blue jeans and a pair of Converse sneakers, one will look and feel great if one is comfortable and confident.
Lots of celebrities have become ambassadors of your work, and you are known for your great success at creating Red Carpet Pieces, Do you often get asked to design bespoke dresses for specific events?
Yes of course I often get asked to design dresses for specific events. Its actually a lot of fun doing bespoke work as I get to create something new for the clients provided that there are enough notice given as I just cant whipped up a bespoke dress in 1 day.
You are known for dressing Kylie on her tours and have spoken very highly of her. Would you say she is a muse to you?
Yes, Kylie is a great inspiration for me and she has been so kind and thoughtful. Currently, my muse is Anna Trevelyan who is my stylist for London Fashion Week show. I love how Anna can spin a look that is modern, fabulous yet strong at the same time and I love that she wears great towering heels…. Its AMAZING!!!
You came from Singapore to study and work in London; do you ever see yourself living in another city apart from these?
I do actually see myself living in Los Angeles and Bali, as I have a spiritual a kinship to the spiritual island of Bali as it is always so inspiring whenever I visit the island but at the end of the day London is still the epicentre of Fashion so it is a city that I love even after being here for more than 15 years since I came to London in 1996 to study fashion.
What would you be doing now if you hadn’t become a fashion designer?
I actually would either be an architect or interior designer. I love architecture and interior designing very much and have done architectural projects and interior designing projects as well. I love being busy actually as it keeps me creative and I love challenges.
What must-have can you not live without ?
Sad to say but it must be my IPad as my life will be at a loss without technology.
Ashley Isham, on Saturday 18th, 7.30pm, Follow us on twitter @MYBEAUTIFULFASH and @mybeautifulcity to find out updates on the day!
