As soon as we got our tickets for the
DeMontfort show, a monochrome graffiti style print coated in plastic
and containing polystyrene balls, we expected hyper-modern textiles
using found materials and brand new technologies. The students sent
their collections down the runway, and that was exactly what we got.
The collections from DeMontfort were so on trend for the upcoming
seasons, making use of every material possible from plastic to
acrylic to metal and putting them all together to create some
outstanding looks that were in line with the trends of techno
textiles and hyper-modernity that will be hitting London Fashion Week
in the next couple of seasons.
The knitwear from the university was supreme. The work of Alison Woodhouse took so many neon tones and put them into designs that were wearable but extremely contemporary. Geometric pattern knits in every colour way possible were put together and combined with stuffed knits that had be plaited together to provide structure and a contrasting texture. The knitwear continued into menswear, where Clare Sant combined textured knits with clashing prints, and even a knit print that gave the collection a more delicate, lightweight edge in comparison to the chunky knits. The colours were predominantly primary and the prints were tribal, creating a fairly ethnic look that worked with the range of textures. Kelli McGuiness brought another new knitwear dimension with knitted hold technique dresses that revealed fun, quirky prints underneath; the combination of print and knit was popular at DeMontfort.
In contrast to the extreme textures
and silhouettes of some of the collections, others evoked a softer,
refined feel that concentrated on the intricate pattern cutting and
panelling of the pieces. Amanda Salway's collection of Menswear
featured exquisite Timorous Beasties style prints combined with
delicate checks in pastel tones, with unusual sheer fabrics. Denim in
tones of ochre and blue brought a new edge to the denim jacket.
Nicola Froud continued with the pastel theme, with some interesting
layering of skirts over trousers and interesting techniques of
pleated fabrics appliquéd on to the front of dresses and jumpers.
The collection had a sportswear style influence, but done in a very
feminine way.
Lastly, the use of unconventional
materials was something that stood out at DeMonfort on the whole. The
collection from Charlotte Baty, featuring hundreds of cable ties
woven into knit that almost looked like fur was stunning. Plastics
were woven together in macrame techniques to create cuffs and neck
details. Jade Clark used a whole host of reflective materials from
PVC to organza that abstracted the prints beneath them creating a
really unusual look. DeMonfort were very impressive in their creation
of new looks and techniques and the collections were fresh and
exciting.
Photographs by Dani Farrow
No comments:
Post a Comment