Mark Fast's SS12 collection was definitely more grown up than previous seasons, I was a little sad about this but the looks he delivered were chic and sophisticated. I think my favourite was the cream fringe jumpsuit and black and red evening dress pictured above.
Another beautiful collection from John Rocha this season, drawing inspiration from mythical warriors, fishing in the amazon, John continues to explore textures and structures and the stories they can tell. The dresses have been sculpted with dense patchwork crotchets, leather and hand tucked raffia. I love that Johns women can seem tough and serene at the same time. Abbey-Lee was perfect for the show, she is such a goddess! I think the headpieces were the perfect accompaniment as well as the chunky black rubber shoes that were quite a surprise for such a soft collection but perfect link to the inspiration.
This collection was really all about the backs and the bags for me. It was a really nice surprise when a fitted dress at the front turned out to be a crossover back draped from the shoulder blades. As you know from my own work, I am all about the straps this season. I loved the accessories that accompanied the collection too. I want one of those clear perspex bags so badly! I wouldn't want to carry anything in it though. Designers have been doing clear perspex bags for a few seasons now, I'm certainly not getting bored of it and want to see real people accessorising with them next fashion week.
Ann-Sofie Back's SS12 show was held last night at Somerset House. There were two shows held back to back, the first for her mainline and the second for her diffusion label 'Back'. The mainline collection was a neutral colour palette, focus was all on the detail with long belts that flew behind the models. I really liked the strange organza aprons that were styled up with a few outfits, unusual and I noticed they still had the fold lines in some at the back. Not sure if they were meant to be there but it added texture. The Back collection also featured a neutral colour palette but with bright pops of neon. My favourites were the blue pleated shorts and long skirt, especially worn with the sheer cashmere. I can already feel that this show will be the highlight of the week.
