The past few weeks have been exciting in the fashion scene. Fashionistas worldwide set their focus on London where glamorous supermodels graced the runways in confident stride.
From Bella Hadid to Cara Delevingne there was no end to the sophistication and chic that characterised the event. However, this article is about five designers who piqued our interest with their captivating designs during the show.
1. Angel Chen
Angel Chen is a unisex fashion label and her style has been described as “multi-layered aesthetic”. The Central Saint Martins graduate says her dream of becoming the next John Galliano led her from Shenzhen to London, and into the world of fashion. Angel’s Autumn-Winter 2016 collection was inspired by Helen Bonham Carter’s character ‘Maria’ in David Fincher’s psychological thriller ‘Fight Club’.
Unsurprisingly, the press quickly dubbed her style ‘Chinese Punk’. Angel was named by i-D magazine as one of the “Top 5 graduate designers of the year” before she went on to work for notable houses Marchesa and Vera Wang. She is currently based in Shanghai, but shows collections in London, Paris and across Asia.
2. Florence Bridge
One of the most delightful collections observed at the exhibition was Florence Bridge’s style that is focused on creating a rare mix of classic and contemporary pieces. Her designs focus on digitally printed silks, patchwork leather and shearling textures. All areas of production from textile printing, to manufacturing and hand finishing of garments are done in the UK.
A London native, Florence studied fashion design at Nottingham Trent University and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, graduating at the top with a first class degree.
3. Jasper Conran
Jasper is no stranger to this show, having studied at Parson’s School of Design in New York, he created his first womenswear collection in 1978 and became a founding member of the London Designer Collection, known today as the London Fashion Week.
Since then, Jasper has expanded from women’s wear to menswear, fragrance and accessories for home interior and performing arts. Jaspar Conran was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to the retail industry. In 2012, he became the Creative Director of the Conran Shop, where he has contributed to developing and executing a strategy to strengthen the business.
4. A.V Robertson
Not familiar with the name A.V Robertson? Well, get ready for it to change to simply AV, short for Amie Victoria. Robertson started her eponymous label, whose specialty is adorned womenswear and accessories. Spring-Summer 2017 collection heralded Amie Victoria’s second season at London Fashion Week. The designer who is also an alumina of Central Saint Martins boasts of Katie Grand, Hillier and Marc Jacobs as her fans.
5. Gabriel Velma
Gabriel’s first start was industrial design in Madrid before moving to study fashion design in London. The Chilean designer combines a stunning taste for colour, texture, and shape with detailed cutting flair to produce truly revolutionary designs that blend structured sophistication with feminine style. Velma’s Spring/Summer 2017 collection celebrates disco glam, so look forward to metallic, pastels and silver lurex.