The Best Of British Wow Paris
The British Fashion Council’s (BFC) international design initiative LONDON show ROOMS has once again taken London’s leading emerging fashion talents to Paris, following a successful London Fashion Week.
LONDON show ROOMS opened in Paris on October 1st and will run until 8th October in 1er Arrondissement at JTM Gallerie, 40 Rue Richelieu. “LONDON show ROOMS has become a key destination for press and buyers in Paris over the past four seasons,” says Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC. “And this one will be no exception. This talented collective had a great response during London Fashion Week and the showrooms provide the perfect environment to view 22 collections under one roof and meet the designers.”
The showroom in Paris provides a unique opportunity for emerging British designers to promote themselves outside London. The pop-up showroom is a strategic element of the British Fashion Council’s support and mentoring scheme. It aims to promote London design internationally and secure new export business.
Designers at this year’s event include Atalanta Weller, Chau Har Lee, Louise Gray, Christopher Raeburn and Yang Du with special guests Marjan Pejoski, Todd Lynn and Les Chiffoniers.
Here are four of our favourites to watch out for.
Georgian born David Koma has already seen success with celebrities such as Megan Fox, Cheryl Cole, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga wearing his creations. His SS11 collection saw pretty pinks and monochrome dresses with flirty full skirts parade down the catwalk. His look is youthful but structural and there is nothing weak about the woman who wears Koma.
Scottish designer Holly Fulton has already established her graphic designs as her signature style and her SS11 collection is no different. Her use of colour brings in shades of spring with soft pastels, muted tangerine and summery yellows. Art Deco style architectural prints create striking pieces that make this one of her most sophisticated collections to date.
When asked what influenced her latest collection, Mary Katrantzou replied: “Fashion photography, the World of Interiors, vintage lampshades and Architectural Digest“. These influences are obvious, particularly with her lampshade style skirt, but what she has produced is still fantastically wearable and striking. The patterns are feminine yet strong in a style that is old-style Versace and will soon ensure that she makes it into the black book of all the top international stylists.
Mark Fast may be an upcoming designer but he knows how to get the headlines. Last season he sent plus-sized models down the runway and his knitted dresses have already graced the backs of Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Kylie Minogue and Christina Aguilera. His Spring Summer 2011 collection continues to be figure hugging and revealing. He has incorporated feather-like fringe detailing and brightened black with splashes of colour.
